The Gallery Bar and Grill

There is something enchanting about the Manyung Gallery in Mount Eliza.  Needing to cross a moat just to walk through the front door, this medieval styled Gallery looks just like a castle from an olden day fairy tale.  So what better place to set up a restaurant then overlooking the Manyung Gallery's medieval inspired art adorned courtyard.

The Gallery Bar and Grill's head chef Rob Licciardo used to cook up a storm at the now-closed Licciardos in Mount Eliza Village.  Luckily he has bought across many of the favourites including the freshly made walnut bread rolls (when they haven't run out!), the macadamia crusted lamb cutlets and the Thai prawn Caesar salad.

Whilst not all of the menu items are hits (stay away from the flavourless rigatoni with sardines, garlic, anchovies, almond and raisins) and the special board is always nearly impossible to read, the homemade beef lasagne ($26) is an absolute must. With its perfectly cooked sheets of pasta enveloping a rich and flavoursome meat sauce, this cheese lover's dream lasagne is far from the ordinary.  Paired with a serve of The Gallery Bar and Grill's deliciously golden chips ($7) and complimentary steamed vegetables (which, to be honest, used to be a more generous and exciting serve) this meal is definitely worthy of a lunch time eat.

The service, just like the menu, is often hit and miss.  However, on the occasions that both the food and the service are on point, The Gallery Bar and Grill is a definitely a restaurnat I would recommend for lunch if you find yourself down the Mornington Peninsula.

Food: 3.5/5
Service: 3/5
Venue: 3/5
Total: 9.5/15
Verdict: Like - get around to trying it at some point.