A refreshed menu featuring alternative beverage pairings, and the biggest wine list in South Australia, welcomes patrons to Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant (HVR) this winter.
The Adelaide Hills icon, located within Mt Lofty House (built 1852), is also enjoying 2026 recognition from Wine Spectator in their 2026 Restaurant Awards. HVR’s wine list received a Best of Award of Excellence accolade, as one of only 20 in Australia. Part of their extensive wine list is a sparkling made by HVR, available at the restaurant exclusively.
While HVR’s renowned wine list remains the star of the show, the new HVR menu features a non-alcoholic pairing of mocktails. Sommeliers and mixologists are creatively inspired to celebrate flavour, balance and occasion, with each pairing thoughtfully curated to elevate the dining experience.
The non-alcoholic pairing (priced at $129) takes inspiration from a journey through the Hills, with the list featuring a Morning Sour of Henschke Prue’s verjus, citrus oleo and coconut, and Twilight Mist mixing wattleseed with coffee, toasted coriander and apple. For cocktail lovers, the $165 experience delves into the Mt Lofty House story by way of liquid timeline. From The Arrival 1836 (Australian dry gin, sunrise lime, native thyme and honey) to The Phoenix 1986 (Tequila Reposado, amaro, mezcal, lime and agave) it’s a journey through time.
These, alongside the sommelier wine pairings accompany new additions to the fine dining nine-course experience by Head Chef Alessandro Mangione, who was part of the opening team in 2016 and returned in 2025 as Head Chef. Alessandro draws his inspiration from time and place, following the seasons, the estate, and Australian native ingredients.
“This winter marks an exciting new chapter for Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant,” says Restaurant Manager Fraser Bock. “Chef Alessandro’s refreshed menu celebrates the very best seasonal produce from the Adelaide Hills and beyond, while our beverage program has evolved alongside it.
“From one of Australia’s most awarded wine lists to thoughtfully crafted cocktail and non-alcoholic pairings, every element has been designed to complement the menu and create a truly immersive dining experience. We’re proud to continue pushing the boundaries of fine dining while remaining true to the history and elegance that makes Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant so special.”
Chicken tea with smoked potato espuma and black truffle, chicken millefeuille with pickled muntries and finger lime jam, and kelp tacos with abalone, scallop and oscietra caviar are new entrees to be savoured. Seafood inspiration continues with mud crab with spring onion, pine nut and sesame.
As the Adelaide Hills region builds its reputation for porcini and truffles, HVR celebrates truffle season with Adelaide Hills Truffle Company and truffles from Manjimup, WA; showcasing truffles on display until August and offering truffles as an addition to most menu items.
Together with Restaurant Manager Fraser Bock and Head Sommelier Maxime Martin, HVR continues to evolve in concept since its 2017 opening but carries on tradition and luxury from Mt Lofty House’s 1852 beginnings, inspired by the grand traditions from its time as Arthur Hardy’s elegant summer residence.
HVR welcomes patrons for dinner seven days a week at Mt Lofty House and daily High Teas (except Wednesday) and is part of the Mt Lofty Estate group, encompassing Sequoia alongside Mt Lofty House, which features lavish spaces for weddings and conferences, and day spa facilities for those seeking relaxation.