News Hogget Kitchen: mastering the art of eating local

Hogget Kitchen is the sort of place you save for an occasion.

The kind of restaurant where birthdays stretch into long lunches, anniversaries deserve a second bottle of wine, and ordinary weekends suddenly feel worth celebrating.

Hogget is perched among rolling green hills and rows of grapevines just south of Warragul, around 90 minutes east of Melbourne. The views from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the dining room stretch across the vineyard towards the Strzelecki Ranges. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and every plate tells a story about Gippsland.

Head chef and owner Trevor Perkins’ philosophy is to create a menu that celebrates the region, guided by the seasons and built around ethically produced local ingredients. Rather than forcing produce to fit a menu, Hogget lets the ingredients lead the way.

Relationships with farmers, fishers and growers across Gippsland mean diners experience a true paddock-to-plate meal, where every ingredient is selected at its peak.

What lands on your table changes regularly, but you can expect dishes that hero Gippsland's finest produce.You might find entrees like pickled beef croquettes with black garlic mayonnaise or Corner Inlet rock flathead with wild leek.

Work your way up to mains like Gippsland dry aged Angus beef, tallow fat potato, or South Gippsland Duck with black chestnuts and Baw Baw truffle. House-made charcuterie, handmade pasta and inventive desserts featuring local berries, honey and artisan chocolate all make regular appearances.

The experience is about more than exceptional food. In winter, diners can settle beside the open fire with a glass of local wine. During the warmer months, the deck becomes the place to be, overlooking established vineyards and olive groves while soaking up the countryside views.

There’s a seat waiting for you at one of Gippsland’s most delicious tables.