Stephanos

We have dined at Stefano's a number of times over the past decade or so. Stefano has done an enormous amount for Mildura and we enjoy coming here. In terms of atmosphere and ambiance, this place is about as good as it gets. The intimate narrow cellar is a wonderful place to dine. The service is generally good and sometimes great. The food here can be incredible but has unfortunately been a little underwhelming the last few times. Too much pasta, potatoes or cheese dishes and less of the refined or even exquisite dining you might expect for the price. There was a time when around eight very small courses were served here. That's the sort of degustation experience with significant attention to detail that I've come to expect from a place with a generally very good reputation. I'm also puzzled as to why they insist on serving sparkling wine in a wine glass rather than a flute. I don't need to be that 'too cool for school'. Knowing they do this, I asked for a flute ;- It's always a pleasure to meet up with Stefano at the end of the evening. He's a generous man and a very hard worker. He doesn't stop :- We will keep coming back but I know this wonderful restaurant that helped put Mildura on the map is capable of being much better than it has been of late. I'm sure Stefano's restaurant can reclaim an exalted position amongst Victoria's fine culinary experiences.

Degustation was made all the more enjoyable by Stefano helping us make wine selections from a truly astonishing wine list. We’ve never previously considered 1/2 bottles but this added so much to the experience. The decor is surprisingly vivid for a basement but works so well. Tables are well-spaced. Our meals individually were a delight. For me the savory options were too salty but we had the chance to specify dietary needs so next time I’ll ask that ours not receive additional seasoning when plating them up, if this is possible? The service was prompt and friendly but not at all intrusive. Such a great experience. We finished with coffees in the gorgeous upstairs bar, looking out at the city.

Our second visit and sadly Stefano was out of the country so that’s 2 visits now where we have missed having him prep our meals - we’ll have to keep coming back. Our server Tania was an absolute gem and as the night grew longer she spent quite a bit of time explaining the connection to the family and their impact on Mildura as well as talking us through each course. The highlight was the Sfomato which was frankly one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. Wine discussion and pairing was considered with the Sommelier Blair and our discussions on red wine with Murray Cod were enlightening and I think we came to the same conclusion. All in all I think our first visit was a little better, but I still rank this as one of the great dining experiences. They are removing the wine pairing option from the menu and I say keep it! It works well and I personally get a lot out of it.

Dined for dinner for my birthday & we enjoyed a delicious 5 course meal. First course was thinly sliced veal with tuna mayonnaise, capers and onion. Second course was sformato which is like a very light souffle made from gorgonzola cheese and spinach. Third course was orecchiette pasta with broccoli and pan fried breadcrumbs. Fourth course was grass fed scotch fillet with ratatouille & beef reduction. Fifth course was basque cheesecake with spiced poached pear. All the food was well presented & delicious flavours. Our waitress Tanya was friendly & provided great service. Recommend for a special occasion & fine dining celebration night out.

Set menu: Focacia, Ricotta amuse bouche, cheese entre, tabby linguine, rare steak and 2 desserts with matching dessert wines.

Excellent dinning experience, Stefano was a very pleasant and generous man, will come back again… decor reminds me of white lotus

One of, if not, the best meals we've ever eaten. The food was great and left us feeling very satisfied without being too much in quantity. The flavours were prefect and wonderfully varied. The wine pairing was also really good and appropriate for the dishes. Some of the best wines we've had in years, all the better for being locally sourced and hand crafted for Stefano. The service was exceptional all around. We would particularly like to commend the young man with the pony tail, who had fantastic table manner and was very amicable the entire night. He was the pinnacle of customer service and we were really impressed.  Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to him for his vivid and professional descriptions of the flavours we could expect in the food and wine. While this place is not cheap by any means, we would recommend it as a place to take an intimate partner for a special occasion, you won't find better food anywhere in Mildura.

Five of us dined Wednesday 8th May at the fabulous Stefano’s Restaurant. We had a number of dietary requirements which were executed with aplomb. We loved the oral menu which is so traditionally Italian. The waitresses were absolutely switched on and delightful to be around. Authentic vegetarian dishes were superb. Gratitude to Stefano and all his amazing Italian expertise for creating such superb Italian food.

We really enjoyed this place. Food was very good. Service was spot on. Loved speaking to Stefano and getting his advice on wine

A dissapointing meal, certainly not worth travelling to Mildura for. Best of the five dishes was the mouthful of Murray cod. No matched wines as advertised. All in all underwhelming.