Vines Cafe & Bar

Ph: (03) 5352 1744; 74 Barkly St, ARARAT 3377

Contemporary, $
Open 7 days 9am-6pm; Licensed, BYO, Corkage $5 bottle; AE, BC, DC, MC, V, Seats inside 60, Private room

Mietta's Review
A haven for local winemakers who bring their own wines to one of the town's few dining options. The Vines' own list has many local bargain priced wines and a shop front with home cooked offerings on display.The inside rooms are cosy, Spanish guitar music plays but the cane courtyard chairs are so low it is hard to eat at the tables. Whilst aspect and feeling is good, shortly after opening the food lacked focus, ranging from squid dumpling in curry sauce to braised veal shanks and polenta.

Other published opinions

Age Good Food Guide 2008 "The reason for Vines' popularity begins in the light-filled, rustic dining room oozing friendly charm; an awning-covered outdoor area provides a good option for the warmer months"

The Age Good Food Guide 2006 score 13/20 "Vines Cafe is one of the best eateries in the Grampians region. Patrons can park themselves near the deli bar, in the main dining room, or outside under a large canvas awning overlooking Ararat's former bluestone post office."

The Age Good Food Guide 2005 score 14/20 "IF only every Victorian town had an all-purpose eatery and quaffery like this."

The Foodies' Guide 2004,Allan Campion & Michele Curtis,'An easy-going for contemporary lunches,or just simply a glass of local wine and a piece of cheese.Dinner on Friday and Saturday nights are a tad more sophisticated.Good coffee stop too.'

AGFG 2004, score 14/20,excellent wine list,excellent breakfasts

Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Australia 2004, 1 Black Star,'Brightly modern, even mildly funky, and open to the street in fine weather, Vines has brought a whiff of latte culture to Ararat...Whatever Chef feels like preparing on the day will be chalked on a broad and brought to the table by a chirpy young waitress.Expect exciting flavours and fine presentation'