The Sydney Morning Herald logo
Advertisement
14/20

The Schoolhouse Restaurant at Union Bank

Updated ,first published

The menu is made for sharing.
1 / 6The menu is made for sharing. supplied
Sirloin with miso bagna cauda.
2 / 6Sirloin with miso bagna cauda.Supplied
Rabbit, foie gras and pistachio terrine.
3 / 6Rabbit, foie gras and pistachio terrine. Monique Lovick
Beef tartare and Farmer Doug’s spuds.
4 / 6Beef tartare and Farmer Doug’s spuds.Supplied
Deboned market fish with prawns and fermented chilli.
5 / 6Deboned market fish with prawns and fermented chilli.Supplied
The dining room and bar.
6 / 6The dining room and bar. Supplied
14/20

The Schoolhouse Restaurant at Union Bank

Contemporary$$

Heritage site turned lively dining room.

Oversized floral displays and dramatic botanical photography fill a high-ceilinged dining space that hums with energy.

The menu riffs on loved Australian classics and global influences, with a few clever adjustments to keep the hit-list sharp. Golden, crisp potato scallops make a fine opener, grown by Orange’s tuber guru “Farmer Doug”. Add local black truffle if the seasons align.

Gelatinous roast bone marrow marries well with green tomato and English mustard, and gets along great guns with some high-altitude pinot noir. (The wine list can outpace cellar stocks at times, but staff are helpful with alternate local suggestions.)

Overall, the menu roams wide, from sweet and blackened char siu pork chop to smoky eggplant with labneh, onion and sumac. A honey-joy inspired brulee scattered with frosted cornflakes neatly closes the nostalgia loop.

Must order: Farmer Doug’s potato scallop with local truffle.

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.

Sign up

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.

Continue this series

Orange & Mudgee
Up next
Parmesan custard tart with beetroot sauce.
  • Review

Zin - Food and Wine

Long wine-country lunching in the middle of a biodynamic farm.

Previously
A new restaurant has opened at Rowlee Wines in Orange.
  • Recommended

Rowlee Dining

A fresh face and flavour delivers on its promise.

See all stories

From our partners

Advertisement
Advertisement