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Located on the high side of the street overlooking the historic Carlton Gardens, Epocha sits pretty with its pristine, classic frontage. It was incredibly welcoming inside with the crackle of warmth from the flames of an open fire place. Outside the front door, a curious message reads, "Too small to fail", a hint perhaps, at the damaging pandemic of 2019/2020.
It was a dreary day, all the better for enjoying a meal from the comforts of one's own home. We ordered takeaway for two Roast Packs (version 2), chicken liver pâté and a charcuterie selection. We paired this meal at home with a fruity, light-bodied pinot noir.
The liver pâté was out-of-this-world smooth and creamy, paired with Epocha's house-made baguette that was light and crispy on the outside after being warmed. The pâté was made even more tasty with its topping of crispy chicken skin.
Next highlight was the generously thick slab of moist, textural terrine that was well-balanced against the lightly tart, crunchy pickles. Soft, melt-in-your-mouth roast cauliflower was next, beautifully sweet and caramelised.
We were near satiated by the time we were done these, the charcuterie board, part of the foccacia and mushroom croquettes.
Then came the tender, 10-hour slow roast lamb shoulder with its ample delicious jus and a thin top of slightly crisp fat. The seasoning of the lamb was very restrained which kept it from being too heavy as a main.
We were missing the duck fat potatoes completely, which was a disappointment given their reputation from other diners.
Overall, a heart-warming, soulful Sunday lunch. Epocha's front door sign should perhaps read, "Too good to fail".
Verdict: 4.5 out of 5 stars
We enjoyed our meal here. Lovely venue with an immediate feeling of old-world style. A rare place where we could talk without shouting. Interesting selection of wines by the glass with offers to taste before committing. Polite and attentive service without ever being obtrusive. We skipped the tasting menu and just had an entree and main each, and shared a dessert. Food was very good - definitely high quality. Really my only qualm was the pricing, which is quite high, though perhaps I’m being a but tough given this is a rare fine dining experience in these days when casual is king. Certainly would recommend for a special occasion.
We went for the 3 course meal, and needless to say, I was so full!
For my 3 course meal, I chose the beef tartare for entree, beef tenderloin for main and the chocolate ganache.
My partner has the razor prawns, pork, and white chocolate dessert), we also ordered the duck fat roasted potatoes.
Everything was delicious! The potatoes matched perfectly with the pork AND beef because they both had a gravy poured on top. Every single potato was crispy!! Although we were so full from our entrees and mains, we didn’t want to waste a single potato because we’ve never had such crispy potatoes! The pork and beef were salted well and very tender! The razor prawns were really really small, we weren’t sure whether the prawn head was to be eaten, so to have the body of the prawn only - it wasn’t much. Other than that, I enjoyed my evening and the service was lovely and attentive.
Dined here during the truffle night long time ago. Food was amazing with only few to fault. We got little truffle on our side just for our own to grate into the food whenever we wanted to😊. So tempting to slice the whole thing into my mouth, that is how much I love truffle
Everything was delicious but the star for me was not the obvious beef or risotto, it was the dessert. It was chocolate truffle...truffle. when truffle is something that is full of umami, its overly savoury taste can be challenging when incorporating it into dessert. They just nailed it for me~*
Downside, was the table set up, they want it cozy, so it can be a bit cramp and does not offer privacy. Great for big family maybe not for strangers.
The venue was dark with warm candle lights so apologise for the quality of the image.
Food - 4.8*
Service -4*
Venue - 3.8*
Melbourniancritic (The Melbourne Experience)
+4
Enjoy the warm and inviting delights, that is Epocha. Located in Carlton with magnificent views overlooking Carlton Gardens you will fine Epocha Restaurant. As you walk through the doors of Epocha Restaurant you can’t help but to feel at ease whilst soaking in its beautiful high ceilings, cosy decor and attentive staff. T
*4.5*
Lovely restaurant with excellent waitress and service. Four of us bad the Wagyu which was delicious. We weren't a big fan of the bread but otherwise a good experience.
We went here last week to celebrate our anniversary and had a wonderful evening! Being a Monday night, it was fairly quiet which made it very special and romantic for us. And our host / steward for the evening got us a glass of dessert moscato on the house to end the night 😊
The cocktails were lovely, packing a flavorful punch. We ordered the 5 course meal and were very full by the end, with the pumpkin, cured salmon and poached fig dessert dishes being our picks of the night. The seven point pork was slightly underwhelming.. but overall a memorable, romantic night for us to remember ..
Refined, delicious and perfectly cooked French food served with class, generosity and good hospitality. The venue was quaint, cosy and beautiful. Highly recommended.
Very enjoyable Sunday roast lunch. Just the right amount of food and service is there without being intrusive. The pacing between dishes are done just right and well timed. We didn't feel rushed but didn't spend too long. We were served 2 salads, a pate, a fresh roll I think flavored with goji berries, roast beef and potatoes then a chocolate mousse tart. What a way to spend a Sunday afternoon! We also ordered oysters, a bottle of rose and tea and coffee at the end.
Service was attentive and considerate, seeing how they made an alternative starter for someone pregnant in the group. Came here for the Sunday roast, serving a beautiful lamb shoulder dish and delicious crispy potatoes on the side. Finished off beautifully with a cherry cake with cream on the side.
Lovely experience at Epocha, absolutely relaxing atmosphere with no rush at any point with friendly and accommodating service team. Located next it Carlton Gardens with views of the trees.
The 3 course menu, was started with a delicious amuse bouche, my partner is vegetarian and that was catered for without compromise. It was so reassuring being able to just sit and wait for the amazing food to appear without scouring a menu for the right dish. Every dish was perfect, and was suitably filled by each course.
Highly recommend for a special night out with your partner or close friends.
wow!! The menu was so fresh, delicious and exciting- especially loved the homegrown produce that was weaved throughout. The staff were incredibly kind and caring, very easy to chat to! Can't wait to be spoilt there again!
I really enjoyed my four course meal. Amazing food and favours from entrée to dessert. My slow cooked beef and Tiramisu were the best meals of the night. Staff are very friendly. Atmosphere is great. Will definitely come back here.
Absolutely amazing. From the greeting you recieve on your arrival, the extremely friendly staff inside and the chef who came out and asked how things were and the food, everything was perfect. You are doing an amazing job. Thank you
Absolutely fantastic at every turn!
Impeccable service, a clear passion for their craft, and absolutely delicious food and drinks. Love that the team is always evolving the menu and keeping things fresh and new.
Highly recommend going with the wine pairings to enhance everything.
We had our wedding of 55 people at Epocha and felt right at home. The staff went above and beyond to take into consideration our preferences and made the process of organising a wedding so easy. The ceremony and food service went seamlessly. The food particularly was a stand out and each guest was so well cared for. No wine glass was left empty! We are grateful that Epocha enabled us to have our dream day all in one location. It is somewhere that is now part of our lives and we can't wait to go back again and again! We couldn't have asked for a better day and experience. You are getting restaurant quality service at an intimate venue - not what you get at your standard reception.
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