Review Lolli Redini - Orange

Food and service did not live up to expectations. Price was fine. Maybe turn on the lights a bit more… Small things in terms of service (didn’t take away wine glasses when we didn’t get wine especially on a small table) but I would expect it of a fine dining hatted restaurant. Overall, waitstaff were polite. We had the cheese soufflé (nice and as expected), risotto (again, nice and as expected) as entrees. For mains, we had the chicken (somehow the chicken thigh tasted like breast and too much sauce), steak (fine, normal cut), and the fish (definitely the highlight). Unfortunately I would not come back.

Very good food and drinks. And accommodating staff. Worth giving it a go while in Orange. Make sure you book ahead.

The food was fantastic. What let the experience down was the drinks. 2 beers to choose from but: "today we don't have the IPA". The menu states a Negroni using local, Parrot Seville gin, they used cheap Tanqueray gin. When charging $$$ you have to deliver! Nice atmosphere but the styling is 30 years old.

Don’t bother if you have food intolerances! No special efforts made even with advance notice. You end up with a less than average meal, while watching everyone else enjoying special well prepared food. All heroes of the dish missing, just ordinary overcooked veg with a protein. I’m not happy to pay $225 to watch!

Hands down the best restaurant in Orange. This place is exceptional. We are so lucky to have restaurants of this high standard in country towns in Australia. If you close your eyes and open them again you could be in Paris. A truly unique experience in Orange. The staff are wonderful and very attentive, and the food is absolutely magnificent. A real treat for your partner or special someone for a special occasion!

The restaurant was cold and had a very 90’s feel. The wait staff were nice but inexperienced (not bringing cutlery or bring entrees when the table wasn’t clear.) the main waiter was a highlight. The meals were nice but not exceptional for the price, overall underwhelming.

(4.5 stars) Despite the website ostensibly offering up a phone number for bookings, my advice is: don’t call Lolli Redini for a table. When we made that particular mistake, we were - somewhat rudely - redirected to their online ‘booking enquiry’ system. Two days after making our online booking enquiry, we were offered a table at 6pm, two hours earlier than the time we had requested. As Lolli Redini has a good reputation in the Orange region, we decided to dine anyway... We dutifully rock up for dinner while there was still plenty of light in the sky, giving us a gander at the restaurant's domestic exterior, partially obscured by leafy green trees. Hearing the Dave Brubeck Quartet’s Take Five the moment we walked in the door - the only quintuple time (5/4) song ever to make the charts – distracts us from meeting the man with the heavy European accent who refused to take our phone booking. We’re quickly settled in the compact front room, along a well-cushioned red banquette that runs the length of the restaurant. Above our heads looms a mantelpiece, and above it, the rich red feature wall is adorned with a Martin Sharp print. The neighbouring tables are set at a distance I’d describe as intimate, but the awkwardness is eased by the prompt arrival of bread and wine. The 2017 Borrowed Cuttings Piquepoul Blanc ($12/150ml) from Cowra is elegant, with softly cushioned but driving acidity. While touted as an oyster wine, the Lolli Redini team have matched it to their Mauri Gorgonzola Dolci soufflé. This creamy, twice-baked blue cheese soufflé is one of three on offer on the menu, which you can enjoy as Two Courses ($75/person) or Three Courses ($95/person). While this version isn’t the Heidi Gruyere soufflé stalwart that has not budged from the menu since they opened in 2001, I’m a big fan of the soft, marshmallow-like texture contrasting with sharp cheese. The rich intensity is cut with roasted walnuts, batons of juicy beurre bosc pear, and lemony red vein sorrel leaves. The Piquepoul is a particularly great match for the soufflé, and I’d also argue that’s true for the Moonlight Flat Claire de Lune rock oysters, despite the menu offering up a frothy 2015 Ross Hill Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Chardonnay ($16/120ml). Teamed with Champagne granita and cucumber brunoise then garnished with lacklustre Spanish Avruga caviar (it's not a patch on briny, fishy Beluga). The caviar was so lightly flavoured, it got a bit lost. In person, staff are uniformly excellent. Plates are cleared before you even have time to think they should be. My Rhubarb Mojito ($22) is delivered at the same time as more wine, with the two waiters silently anticipating each other’s steps with the elegance of ballet dancers in a pas de deux. The 2017 Philip Shaw Pink Billy Saignee ($12/150ml) is a beautiful, savoury rosé that still doesn't skimp on berry fruit. While it’s not the assigned match for the pasta ‘rotolo’ it suits the dish well. Sitting on sweet roasted butternut pumpkin, the loops of toothsome pasta have a festive Christmas stuffing feel, combining the textures and flavours of Cremona mustard fruits, Persian feta, lemon, sage and pine nuts with shavings of truffled pecorino and crisp amaretti crumbs. It’s clever and likeable, wanting only for a whisker of salt to balance the butternut pumpkin’s intense sweetness. We team the Rangers Valley Black Market Angus brisket with the 2015 Patina Reserve Chardonnay ($16/150ml). With big French oak and creamy lees, this rich, textural white rises to meet the opulent dish that showcases three textures of brisket against silky sweet potato, honey-glazed heirloom carrots, buttered spinach, eschallots, mustard cream and horseradish. Amidst the backdrop of a rapidly filling dining room that’s noisy but convivial, it’s easy to see why Lolli Redini is Orange’s favourite celebration spot.

Food and wine were lovely, service good as well Would have been nice to have had the panacota (on the menu but otherwise not available)

A nice restaurant for a date night. Food was creative and generous in portion size. Local wines from Orange went well with the meal and celebrated the local region. Service however felt a bit unattentive & rushed - staff seemed to prioritise turning the tables over that night. If you're looking for a more relaxed dining experience with the bells and whistles, would probably recommend 'Tonic' in Millthorpe.

Food is Devine can’t stay away from the Cheese Soufflé,what makes Lolli Redini’s is the exceptional wait staff and the marriage between wait staff to kitchen !!

Over the years Lolli's has maintained its reputation for excellent preparation, and enticing presentation, of delicious, locally sourced produce. We go here for celebratory occasions, and sometimes for intimate meals together, or for a special outing with a couple of friends. We are so glad that the twice-baked cheese soufflé is still on the menu; and that the variation in the rest of the menu never tires. Congratulations Simone and team for making it easy to find top-class food in our rural city. And thank you.

Amazing food service and local wine , the entree of pumpkin pasta to die for

The food was amazing, it's only a side but you must try the Paris mash! Lovely intimate setting and friendly staff. If you are visiting Orange, you have to go to Lolli Redini

Excellent food and service would recommend it to anyone who is interested in good food.

Just had brunch at Lolli’s. Fabulous service, atmosphere, and most importantly food! Thanks so much, had a ball! Xxx

OMG what a special amazing experience absolutely loved the menu at Lolli Redini never ever experienced such flavours brilliant and talented chef Thank you

A creative superlative meal matched with spot-on local wines. A wonderful find in rural NSW. Congratulations

Had brunch on Sunday, food was phenomenal and cannot beat breakfast and booze!!

A must do in orange. Decadent mash and beef brisket with matching wines. Mmmm

Loved it totally amazing Divine Dinner & the staff were very lovèĺý........

Very easy to see why this is a "hatted" restaurant. The wait staff are attentive without being intrusive and the food is prepared in a way that is not "run of the mill". Each course was prepared with obvious care and attention to detail. As I love my desserts, I was very pleased with the dark chocolate mousse which was not only delicious, but also very pleasing to admire. The dessert chef, whom I believe is only nineteen, should be very proud of the dishes she presents.

Lovely meal up until the time dessert arrived and we discovered a human hair in the dessert.... Need a little more risk management control.

Just after Bathurst races the waiter informs us the set menu is named Grand Pricks ( Prix ) hmm. And no wine tonight sir, this menu includes wine hmm. I select quail breast , first piece no bones , next piece unexpected bone when biten, not pleasant. Very glad my next course , venison was lovely

Fantastic food and fantastic service - cheese soufflé is a must!

Fantastic night out, staff very friendly and welcoming. Celebrated my dad's birthday there, complimentary glass of champagne set the tone. Great atmosphere.<br/><br/>Cheese Souffle was fantastic, great taste and texture. lamb rump was small for a main, but absolutely delicious. Peanut Butter Delice was the perfect finish.<br/><br/>Highly recommend.

(4.5 stars)<br/> Despite the website ostensibly offering up a phone number for bookings, my advice is: don’t call Lolli Redini for a table. When we made that particular mistake, we were - somewhat rudely - redirected to their online ‘booking enquiry’ system. Two days after making our online booking enquiry, we were offered a table at 6pm, two hours earlier than the time we had requested. As Lolli Redini has a good reputation in the Orange region, we decided to dine anyway... We dutifully rock up for dinner while there was still plenty of light in the sky, giving us a gander at the restaurant's domestic exterior, partially obscured by leafy green trees. Hearing the Dave Brubeck Quartet’s Take Five the moment we walked in the door - the only quintuple time (5/4) song ever to make the charts – distracts us from actually meeting the man with the heavy European accent who refused to take our phone booking. We’re quickly settled in the compact front room, along a well-cushioned red banquette that runs the length of the restaurant. Above our heads looms a mantelpiece, and above it, the rich red feature wall is adorned with a Martin Sharp print he designed in 1977. The neighbouring tables are set at a distance I’d describe as intimate, but the awkwardness is...

Exquisite dinner, excellent service in a beautiful setting. Am visiting Orange and felt very lucky to be brought here to dine, enjoying local produce and wine, cooked to world standards. Last time I ate such stunning food was at Nopi in London. Thanks for a divine meal

Every local person recommends this restaurant, or asks if you’ve been already. It’s a very big deal for a small town to have a hatted restaurant and whilst I could say it’s easier to shine in a small town that would be unfair, as this restaurant clearly deserves its reputation. <br/><br/>We sat outside in a perfect late summer day, it may have been a bit too stifling inside the crowded restaurant. <br/><br/>Soufflé was divine, best pork belly ever with superb crackling. I’m not a fan of applesauce, felt it was too much (for me). The brisket was so rich and full of flavour, delicious! <br/><br/>The wine list travels a little beyond Orange which is wise. Staff were very friendly with perhaps the only exception being the lady on the phone. No biggie. Hospitality is hard and these guys are doing a great job. I was feeling bad about giving only 3* to a recent French restaurant experience but after tonight I have been reminded of truly great food.

The only hatted restaurant in Orange, Lolli Redini has been a favourite amongst locals & visitors alike for many years. Housed in a converted Californian Bungalow, the dining room is warm, inviting & romantic with that old classic charm. Service is warm, friendly & unimposing.The food is of European influence & a comprehensive wine list showcases a good selection especially of wines from the local region. Starting the meal with their signature Heidi gruyere souffle was perfect. The smell as it arrives at the table made everyone salivate. The texture was fluffy yet the taste was robust & rich. The roasted hazelnuts scattered was the perfect enhancement to the umami rich dish & perfect contrast in texture. The squid ink pasta with sweet fresh prawns & zucchini flowers was another hit. Sweet & salty at the same time, the colours & flavours stimulated all senses. The braised brisket for main was absolutely delicious - sliced yet meltingly tender. A sweet hit from the honey roasted carrots & a salty crunch from pangrattato. The Mulloway had the obligatory crispy skin & the crab butter sauce was such a French classic with a twist, just as rich with even more seafood flavour with the infusion from the crab. Then there is dessert. The compressed souffle cake sounds interesting & unlike a souffle, its dense, rich & the accompanying hazelnut chocolate ganache added silkiness & gave me childhood memories of eating spoonfuls of Nutella out of the jar, but only better. The panna cotta had the perfect wobble & an interesting infusion of cardomon but personally, needed more vanilla. Loved the blood orange sorbet which had the perfect flavour & texture. A sample of Orange wines were drank during the course of the meal to accompany the food & it was the perfect way to enjoy & taste what this beautiful restaurant & region has to offer.

What has happened to Lolli Redini?<br/><br/>As someone who has been visiting Lolli Redini’s for about the past ten years because it is marketed as one of the leading lights on the epicurean trail in the central West. I have been prepared to understand that it is not a ‘one hat’ or a Michelin starred restaurant in Sydney, Melbourne or Los Angles, or New York. Over this period, the quality of the food has varied from pretty good (although technically simple) to mediocre but always over priced for what is offered. They have a set menu; two courses for $70 or three course for $90. This means that an entrée is $20 and the main is $50! You can eat in some very fancy fine dining restaurants in New York for those prices.<br/><br/>I also accepted, that when not in a major city that trained professional wait staff are not readily available. At Lolli Redini’s this translated into local TAFE or university students assuming the role, generally with average results for a restaurant purporting to be a fine dining experience. I have also tolerated stained table clothes, less than sparkling wine glasses and tables that are so close together that the person at the next table becomes at intimate.<br/><br/>A few weeks ago, I booked a table and was told that there were two services that night, one at 6pm and another 8pm. I chose the 6pm and was told that we would have to be finished by 8pm. On arrival, the restaurant was virtually empty and we were shown to a table almost beneath the serving window, clearly the worst table in the restaurant. A table that any ‘one hat’ restaurant would not consider placing in such an atrocious place, surely a sign of greed and ineptitude by the management.  When I asked to be seated at another table I was told that ‘we are completely booked out tonight’. After discussions with two different waiters, the table was moved away from the service window but it was still very distracting to have staff standing and collecting meals just behind us.<br/><br/>The disappointment with Lolli Redini’s continued with the main courses. My dining companion ordered the crack willow farm pork belly, unfortunately the fat was not properly rendered and had a lard taste, and my barramundi was over cooked, and partially disguised with too many different flavours.<br/><br/>As the clock ticked towards 8pm many tables were still empty. As I left the restaurant I asked why we hadn’t been seated at one of those empty tables. The waiter mumbled something incoherent about bookings.<br/><br/>There are now several very good restaurants, some hatted, some not, in Orange and the surrounding vineyards. I will be extending by epicurean journey but I will differently not be returning to what has become an overpriced and underperforming Lolli Redini.

The dining room is extremely cosy and we were welcomed by an opened door as we arrived. The place is far from pretentious which ticked boxes for me, staff personable and attentive without too much hovering. <br/><br/>The menu is enticing, and I found it difficult to pick something. I landed on scallops with a sweet corn veloute, and venison rump. All impressive, however I was disappointed at only three scallops for entree. The venison dish was generous and moreish.Truffle mash delightful, yet very heavy after a few spoons. <br/><br/>Service was quick, yet comfortable. We didn't feel rushed yet didn't feel at any point we were waiting long periods. The food here is lovely, but the staff really took the visit up a notch.

We had lunch at the restaurant for my husband's birthday. The food was absolutely beautiful. We did the 3-course lunch and I had the pumpkin cannoli which just melted. The service was fantastic and the wait staff was very helpful in telling us about things we could do while in Orange.

I had the venison for main and the nougat and sour cherry dessert and both were amazing, my friend had the duck special said it was perfect. Service was excellent and staff were lovely. Food came out quickly and a great overall atmosphere at the time of dining.

Beautiful food. Excellent wine. Good service. But expensive bread rolls - watch out if you like your bread and butter. Wow first trip to Orange. What a town. Some great restaurants and wineries. Lolli Redini was excellent as good or better than any of the fine dining restaurants in Sydney. Will definitely go again next time visiting.<br/><br/>Only negative was charging $4 per bread roll !!! Who does this??? SERIOUSLY! I ate 3 in the end so extra $12 on top of the 5 course set menu. I like my bread between courses and went to town on the butter which was warm and delicious.

NEVER buy a gift voucher! A total rip off!. We were given a $150 gift voucher to Lolli Redini as an engagement present from great friends who live in Orange. We wanted to share the night with our friends who gave us the voucher so we invited them to dinner and booked a table for 4 people. At the end of the night, we were given the bill for $500 - we handed the waitress our $150 gift voucher and were going to pay the difference. We were then told that we could not use the voucher as it was only valid for 6 months even though the voucher had NO MENTION of an expiry date or any reference to terms and conditions. So instead of costing us $350 the night cost us $650. We did not make a scene on the night as we could tell the waitress was under strict instruction from management to not let us use the voucher. The following Monday we called the manager to resolve the issue - assuming that it was a misunderstanding. They were so rude, patronising and unhelpful, accusing us of 'sneaking into their restaurant' with the gift voucher and only producing the voucher at the end of the night when we were ready to pay... sorry but is that not how a voucher works? After all the restaurant have already been paid for the voucher! We were then told that it was our fault that we did not go onto the website and read the terms and conditions. The conversation went on for 10 minutes before the manager confirmed that she was not going to do anything about it - end of story. My husband then called back to speak with the other manager who was just as rude and unhelpful. Eventually the manager asked for his contact details and said that she would call him back after they had discussed the situation between themselves. We never heard anything from them again... Such a disappointing experience when it was supposed to be a special celebration. <br/><br/>If the gift voucher had an expiry date printed on it this situation would have never happened as we would have used it within the specified time. When we asked the mangers why they don't print expiry dates on their vouchers they could not give us an answer...? After them accusing us of being 'sneaky' maybe they are the 'sneaky' ones! <br/><br/>We have noticed that their website has been recently updated to incorporate the six month gift voucher validity - this is obviously because they knew what they did to us was so wrong.<br/><br/>We would have never thought that we would be treated like this or experience such a terrible level of service in such a beautiful, friendly and hospitable town like Orange. So disappointing. Would never go back and I know our friends from Orange will never return.

This restaurant deserves a creditable hat, excellent food, excellent service and a matching selection of wines makes for a fantastic gastronomic experience. Yes it comes at a price but Aldo Guuci said, "the quality is long remembered after the price has been forgotten"! Quality only!

I just polished off the house-cured ocean trout with fennel & celeriac remoulade and LET ME TELL YOU is was the best damn salad I've had in a long time! Addition as part of the new winter menu is a little odd, however I could eat this for breakfast it was so good! Not so much can be said about my over cooked barramundi main, unfortunately.

Does Not Deserve 1 Hat. I have just eaten at Lolli Redini two nights ago, and frankly speaking, it did not deserve the one Chef's Hat. Here are my reasons: (1) it took 15 minutes before I was served, and for the bill to arrive (at the end of the meal); (2) mediocre service (i.e. waiter left immediately after leaving the food on our table before I remember what I was eating); (3) water glass was not refilled at all during and after a meal; (4) I was not once asked if my meal was fine, or that I needed more wine. In summary, while my points above sound petty, I do expect a bit more from a one hat restaurant, especially when the experience was very much better from their other one-hat competitor, Racine Restaurant. The food was not bad, although I felt the saffron tagliarini was a little overcooked (not al dente), and the pork belly crackling was not roasted long enough enough as the skin was chewy (instead of crispy). That being said, the spanner crab was excellent. If I am up for something fancy in the town centre, I would not mind giving Lolli Redini another try, but I do not believe their one-hat rating was deserved.

Excellent food but can be abit noisy and stuffy inside

Still thinking about it :). Visited with friends from Sydney. It was my first visit. Just beautiful, couldn't fault it. The table had a mix of the salmon, pork belly, veal, snapper. All beautifully presented, wine and champagne were great, drinking local drops. Service was good. It's not cheap but good value for the quality.

Wonderful meal and experience.. Had the most amazing rabbit risotto - full of flavour and rabbit. Rich but worth it!! I will crave it again forever but unfortunately live interstate.

Exceptional establishment!. It's just as well this restaurant isnt in Sydney or I'd be there every week.<br/>There are many quality places to eat in Orange but Lolli's is outstanding.<br/>The quality of food, service, presentaion etc. is faultless and there are many more expensive city eateries that could learn some lessons from here.<br/>Twice baked cheese souffle is a standout dish but everything we have sampled here is delicious. Dont be put off by the capital city pricing, it's better value than many so called 'fine dining' establishments in Sydney!

Very Nice, and Expensive. Very good, but fairly expensive also.

Delicious!. We had a late sitting, so by the time we got there, I wasn't that hungry - so I did not order a entree. I had the Duck confit for the main, which was divine. The meat was so tender. I was left feeling full and very content.<br/>Also ordered the Mash potato. Loads of garlic in it, but it was still very creamy and beautiful.<br/>I had the strawberry parfait for dessert and I must admit, I really was full by that stage so did not enjoy it as much as I could have.<br/><br/>The ambience was a little noisy. We had two large tables in the restaurant at the same night so it was very hard to have a conversation with my husband without talking louder than normal. I noticed there were no items to 'soften' the echo/noise in the room, which I would highly recommend to the restaurant.<br/><br/>In any case, the service was wonderful and we really did enjoy our night here. We drove from Sydney for the weekend and really enjoyed ourselves.<br/><br/>Im still dreaming about the duck..........mmmm.

Squid ink risotto with ocean trout. The squid ink risotto paied with the ocean trout was really a marvellous dish!

written by forfoodssake Vanessa: To celebrate the occasion of  my lovely husband’s (Mr M’s) birthday, we packed up and head off on a 3.5 hour road trip out of Sydney, inland towards Orange and I will be forever grateful that we did! I’ve always heard rumors of this country town being somewhat of a foodie haven and now having experienced it, I feel the need the shout my endorsement from the rooftops to all the food and wine lovers out there.  If you haven’t been, then it should definitely be on your foodie bucket list. From pubs and shops lining the main high street, to picturesque vineyards, fruit orchards in abundance and fresh, organic produce widely available, I can confidently say that it is a food lovers delight. Orange is also home to some bright shining stars of the regional restaurant scene including Lolli Redini and Racine Restaurant  – both awarded one Chef’s Hat from the SMH Good Food Guide. As we packed so much into this two-night getaway, I have split the post into two parts to avoid reader fatigue! I had booked us into the Tuscan-style DeRussie Suites for two nights in a studio spa room. The hotel is centrally located just off the high street which makes it a great base to explore the town as many restaurants, cafes and bars are within walking distance. The rooms are self-contained and beautifully appointed. We were delighted to discover some elegant treats in our room by way of sparkling wine, chocolates, gingerbread and a bathroom stocked with l’occitane products.

For my entree, I had the Squid Ink Tagliarini with Chilli, Tomato passata, fennel, baby mussels, lemon and pangrattato. Verdict: absolutely delicious! Loved the fine texture of the squid ink pasta and the crunchiness of the pangrattato. KY had the Juniper and beetroot cured ocean trout carpaccio and his feedback on the dish was positive.

On a cold night, with single digit temperatures, venison does warm the palate. Siting next to me, Chris chose, as mains, the loin of Mandagery Creek venison, garnished by a horseradish cream, generously swamped by slow cooked and spiced red cabbage and richly accompanied by Waru organic beets and a dollop of celeriac gratin. (picture above).  Welcome to the inner sanctum of the Lolli Redini. A refreshing choice of side serve is having a choice of green coloured vegetables (broccoli and beans in picture above) doused with Le Barre olive oil and a twist of lemon.  My first taste of Lolli was in the ocean trout carpaccio (image below), as topped up by garlic toasts, horseradish remoulade, celeriac, green apple slices and mint leaves.  Remoulade is a French inspired sauce based on mayonnaise or aioli and may contain paprika, capers and anchovies, always popular to accompany seafood dishes.  Celeriac, also referred to as a knob celery, is turnip-rooted. A carpaccio is an Italian appetiser s

...serving good, honest food with the freshest of local ingredients.

A return trip to Orange to celebrate Australia Day and my 31st birthday meant two things: Lolli Redini and Racine. Yes we would be reliving our previous trip to Orange but all for delicious reasons.