a must-do, even if it's for the Asiette Mignardises

If you're after a classy, relaxed affair with magnificent food and friendly service - without paying sky high prices - head to Vine Double Bay dining room and wine bar. Opening late 2014, General Manager Mikee Collins and Executive Chef Drew Bolton (formerly Quay, Sydney and French Laundry, California) bring contemporary Australian cuisine with a French twist (and yes, majority of the waiters are French. win!). It's a little tricky to find if you don't know the area well, but well worth the hunt.

The interiors are understated and minimalistic with exposed wine racks, huge skylights, vertical gardens and abstract paintings. I came here with a small group of 12, and we ordered the set menu and wine package.

Our 'bites' included Marianted olives; Crackers, dips & spreads and Charcuterie, house made presevres and baguette. The squid ink crackers and Trout Rillettes were the crowd favourite.

For our 'small plates' we received Sashimi of tuna rhubarb, horseradish, charred avocado; Roasted scallops with fregola, white carrot, muntries, XO and Pork belly with soubise, black pudding, raisin & caper dressing. Each of these dishes were in-credible. The flavours all complimented one-another so much, not too strong, and the perfect serving for the table to share.

Then came our mains. Insanely delicious! We had Slow cooked lamb shoulder 'navarin', potatoes, tomato and yoghurt; and Pumpkin gnocchi, gouda, mushroom, asparagus and yarrow. Our sides included Homemade chips, fennel pollen aioli, spiced ketchup and Mixed leaf salad. The mains were fairly large servings so there was quite a bit left over, but I cannot even begin to say how amazing they tasted...

And as with everything at Vine, it just keeps getting better and better. The dessert of Asiette Mignardises was... well.. no words can describe. From memory there is chocolate souffle with salted caramel ice-cream, creme bruele, apple sorbet, macaroons, profiteroles and more. Best dessert in Sydney, hands down. We also had a round of Espresso Martinis (as you do). They were amaze.

We all had such an fantastic time at Vine Double Bay, however I'm not sure whether it was the time of day (we had a late lunch) but unfortunately there wasn't much of a vibe or atmosphere in there apart from us. Would absolutely love to see this place bustling with business. It deserves it!

Restaurant: Vine Double Bay
Total price: Food: $780; Beverages: $455 (10% service on top)
Hours: Mon - Wed 3pm - midnight; Thu - Sat: 12pm - midnight; Sun 12pm - 10pm
Must order: Asiette Mignardises (dessert platter)