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Good Food hat15/20

The Surly Goat

Updated ,first published

Snacks from The Surly Goat.
1 / 8Snacks from The Surly Goat.Penny Ryan
A goat watches over proceedings.
2 / 8A goat watches over proceedings.Penny Ryan.
Crab and custard tarts.
3 / 8Crab and custard tarts.Supplied
Curried venison tartare.
4 / 8Curried venison tartare.Supplied
Outside the Hepburn Springs restaurant.
5 / 8Outside the Hepburn Springs restaurant.Penny Ryan
The four-course set menu is always evolving.
6 / 8The four-course set menu is always evolving.Supplied
A sample of what to expect.
7 / 8A sample of what to expect.Penny Ryan
Countryside dinner.
8 / 8Countryside dinner.Supplied
Good Food hat15/20

The Surly Goat

Contemporary$$

A mystery menu built around the best of the season.

Tucked down a dead-end street off the main drag, this unpretentious former tearoom is a favourite with the locals who cosy up at the 10-seat fireside bar. Two homey dining areas are for those ready to dive into the chef’s four-course menu, a surprise until you’re seated.

Perhaps you’ll begin with a fancy curried egg sandwich with pops of salmon roe, or glistening char siu pork belly topped with pickled cucumber. Next, expect a vegetable-focused dish humming in tune with the season, such as creamed celeriac gussied up with smoked eel consomme, followed by richly flavoured roast cannon of lamb and chicken mousse wrapped in lamb belly.

Tiny cubes of steamed apple are blanketed in whipped cream infused with vanilla, parsnip and nutmeg. Friendly, adroit staff may be stretched, but relax with a local wine and enjoy the extra digestion time.

Good to know: The “secret” bar menu for walk-ins only includes a la carte snacks and a pub main such as schnitzel.

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

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