Cognoscenti Food & Wine

Cognoscenti Food & Wine Cognoscenti Food & Wine is a charming restaurant located on Burwood Highway in the Dandenong Ranges, offering an extensive wine selection and a menu that caters to all dietary requirements. With offerings such as the 2011 Dog Point Section 94 Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough and a feast for Mother’s Day, Cognoscenti is perfect for any occasion.

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Just a little look around the restaurant before we welcome everyone in.Tables set, lights on, w**e chilling and the kitc...
30/09/2026

Just a little look around the restaurant before we welcome everyone in.

Tables set, lights on, w**e chilling and the kitchen humming.

Looking forward to another night with you all. See you from 5pm.

It’s a pretty good day out there.And we’ve got the kind of food to go with it.Wood-fired chicken breast, cherry tomato &...
28/09/2026

It’s a pretty good day out there.

And we’ve got the kind of food to go with it.

Wood-fired chicken breast, cherry tomato & white bean ragù, globe artichokes, charred greens & gremolata.

A bit of sunshine on the plate, basically.

Kick off the long weekend with us. It’s business as usual at Cognoscenti. 🥂We’re open from 5pm Friday and Saturday, with...
25/09/2026

Kick off the long weekend with us. It’s business as usual at Cognoscenti. 🥂

We’re open from 5pm Friday and Saturday, with Golden Hour from 5–6pm: half-price oysters, $10 Prosecco and $10 pints.

Sunday we’re open from 11:30am for lunch and again from 5pm for dinner.

This week’s Sunday roast is roast beef porterhouse with Hasselback potato, green beans, roast pumpkin, Yorkshire pudding & jus. Available for lunch only, alongside the full à la carte menu.

Bookings recommended.

See you over the long weekend!

Have you tried our new chocolate gâteau yet? It’s every bit as decadent as it sounds — layers of chocolate mud cake, dar...
23/09/2026

Have you tried our new chocolate gâteau yet?

It’s every bit as decadent as it sounds — layers of chocolate mud cake, dark chocolate mousse, espresso crémeux, tonka bean anglaise and a little cornflake crunch to finish.

Rich, indulgent, and definitely not one to share. 😉

This week’s feature pour.2021 Domaine Santa Duc ‘Aux Lieux-Dits’ Gigondas.A beautiful expression of Gigondas from one of...
21/09/2026

This week’s feature pour.

2021 Domaine Santa Duc ‘Aux Lieux-Dits’ Gigondas.

A beautiful expression of Gigondas from one of the Southern Rhône’s most respected estates. A blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault, sourced from vines averaging around 40 years old.

Generous and layered, with dark cherry, blackberry and plum, alongside dried herbs, spice and a touch of earth.
There’s plenty of depth, but also freshness and fine tannins carrying through to a long, savoury finish.

A seriously good Gigondas, and one we’re very happy to be pouring by the glass.

A little bit of smoke, a little bit of crunch, and a lot going on.Charcoal-roasted cauliflower, green goddess crema, bla...
18/09/2026

A little bit of smoke, a little bit of crunch, and a lot going on.

Charcoal-roasted cauliflower, green goddess crema, black rice, smoked almond crunch.

We’re very excited to welcome Warramunda Estate to Cognoscenti for a special w**e dinner on Wednesday 21 October.For one...
16/09/2026

We’re very excited to welcome Warramunda Estate to Cognoscenti for a special w**e dinner on Wednesday 21 October.

For one night only, we’ll gather around one long table with w**emaker Rob, his wife Irene and their daughter Olivia to share the story of their family, vineyard and w**es.

For the occasion, Rob has delved into the cellar and uncovered a selection of rare back vintages, including some of their earliest releases dating back to 2013.

With very limited quantities remaining, it’s a special opportunity to taste these w**es, each matched with a dish created by our kitchen for the evening.

Doors open from 6pm, with a glass of Liv Zak Méthode Sparkling Rosé and canapés on arrival. At 6:30pm, we’ll gather around the table and begin the evening.

$195 per person · Food & matched w**es included

Only 30 seats available

Tickets are available now via the link in our bio or on our website.

We’d love to have you around the table with us.

Sunday afternoon is slowly turning into Sunday evening.If you’re wondering what to do with the rest of the day, we’ve go...
13/09/2026

Sunday afternoon is slowly turning into Sunday evening.

If you’re wondering what to do with the rest of the day, we’ve got an idea.

Dinner, a glass of w**e and a little more time around the table.

We’re open from 5pm tonight.

Our much-loved duck liver parfait, served with apple & thyme jelly, toasted sourdough baguette and spiced quince chutney...
11/09/2026

Our much-loved duck liver parfait, served with apple & thyme jelly, toasted sourdough baguette and spiced quince chutney.

On our new spring menu and perfect for sharing. Or not. 😉

Spring has arrived, and the menu is beginning to follow.Our new green asparagus risotto, finished with stracciatella and...
07/09/2026

Spring has arrived, and the menu is beginning to follow.

Our new green asparagus risotto, finished with stracciatella and brown butter. Simple, seasonal and a little brighter for the months ahead.

Open from 5pm.

Friday is here, and the table is set. 🍷The weekend is looking good from where we’re sitting — good food, a great bottle ...
04/09/2026

Friday is here, and the table is set. 🍷

The weekend is looking good from where we’re sitting — good food, a great bottle of w**e and a cosy table waiting for you.

And if you’re still looking for somewhere to take Dad this Sunday, we have a couple of tables left for Father’s Day.

Book your table and let us take care of the rest.

Introducing our new PB&J Mini Magnum 🍦Peanut butter parfait, berry jam swirl, rich chocolate coating, berry jam cream & ...
29/08/2026

Introducing our new PB&J Mini Magnum 🍦

Peanut butter parfait, berry jam swirl, rich chocolate coating, berry jam cream & peanut crunch.

A little nostalgic, seriously indulgent and irresistible.

Your childhood PB&J just got a serious upgrade.

Halloumi gets a little makeover.Wrapped in filo pastry and baked until golden, served with apple purée, pistachio dukkah...
25/08/2026

Halloumi gets a little makeover.

Wrapped in filo pastry and baked until golden, served with apple purée, pistachio dukkah and fresh lemon.

Salty, sweet, crunchy and seriously moreish.

Best enjoyed with a glass of w**e and good company.

What’s going in your glass tonight? With 200+ w**es to choose from and more than 30 available by the glass, there’s alwa...
22/08/2026

What’s going in your glass tonight?

With 200+ w**es to choose from and more than 30 available by the glass, there’s always something new to discover at Cognoscenti.

Whether you’re after a familiar favourite or something a little different, let us find the right bottle for your table.

Open from 5pm.

A much-loved favourite with our guests, our jumbo Queensland tiger prawns.Cooked over charcoal and brushed with garlic, ...
18/08/2026

A much-loved favourite with our guests, our jumbo Queensland tiger prawns.

Cooked over charcoal and brushed with garlic, chilli & parsley oil.

The perfect way to start your evening with us. Open from 5pm. 🍤

What a night! ✨ Last night we hosted our very first Truffle Dinner — an evening dedicated to beautiful food, great w**e ...
13/08/2026

What a night! ✨

Last night we hosted our very first Truffle Dinner — an evening dedicated to beautiful food, great w**e and, of course, plenty of black truffle.

The restaurant had such a great energy, with a full dining room, a wonderful atmosphere and a menu our team loved creating and sharing with you.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening such a memorable one.

If you missed out, here’s a little snapshot of what was served last night…

See you all again next year for Truffle Dinner 2027. 🥂

W**e of the Week 🍷2021 Birgit Braunstein BlaufränkischA beautiful Austrian red with bright dark berry fruit, subtle spic...
11/08/2026

W**e of the Week 🍷

2021 Birgit Braunstein Blaufränkisch

A beautiful Austrian red with bright dark berry fruit, subtle spice and a savoury, earthy character. Fresh and elegant on the palate, with fine tannins and a lovely balance between fruit and acidity.

Something a little different, expressive and delicious for your next visit.

Now available by the glass. 🍷

Ever wondered where the truffles on your plate at Cognoscenti actually come from? 🍄 Yesterday, we stepped out of the kit...
09/08/2026

Ever wondered where the truffles on your plate at Cognoscenti actually come from? 🍄

Yesterday, we stepped out of the kitchen and into the orchard at Truffle Valley for a day of truffle hunting — and it was every bit as special as it sounds. 🍂

A huge thank you to Joan and Dom for the incredibly warm welcome and for taking the time to guide us through the orchard. We learned so much about the trees, the soil, and the incredible level of care, patience, and knowledge it takes to produce these truffles year after year.

The real stars of the day were Rita and Tessa, the brilliant Labrador truffle dogs. Watching them work was fascinating — and we were lucky enough to see them pinpoint truffles before digging up both black and white varieties ourselves.

From start to finish, it was an unforgettable experience and a great reminder of the journey behind every ingredient we use. The season is nearly over, but we’re still lucky to be serving beautiful truffles on the menu at Cognoscenti.

Thank you again, Joan and Dom — we had the best time. 🐾🍄

Father’s Day Lunch | Sunday 6 SeptemberCelebrate Dad with a delicious lunch around the table at Cognoscenti.Gather your ...
05/08/2026

Father’s Day Lunch | Sunday 6 September

Celebrate Dad with a delicious lunch around the table at Cognoscenti.

Gather your family and friends and join us this Father’s Day as we serve a special menu featuring some of our favourite dishes, alongside good w**e and warm hospitality.

$89 Adults
$45 Children (same menu, smaller price)

Two lunch sittings available:
• From 11:30am
• From 2:00pm

We can cater for all dietary requirements—simply let us know in the Special Requests section when booking.

Reservations are essential, and this event sells out every year, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

Book now via the link in our bio.

A new favourite.Goulburn River King Trout, lemon crushed potatoes, charred spring onions and smoked dashi broth.Simple. ...
04/08/2026

A new favourite.

Goulburn River King Trout, lemon crushed potatoes, charred spring onions and smoked dashi broth.

Simple. Balanced. Delicious.

There’s no better way to finish the weekend.The fire is crackling, the w**e is flowing, and the kitchen is in full swing...
02/08/2026

There’s no better way to finish the weekend.

The fire is crackling, the w**e is flowing, and the kitchen is in full swing. Join us for one last good meal before the week begins. 🔥🍷

Address

1628A Burwood Highway
Melbourne, VIC
3160

To get to Burwood Highway, if you are taking public transport, you can take the tram route 75 or bus route 732 and get off at the Burwood Hwy/Bennettswood Rd station. If you prefer driving, you can take Burwood Highway and park your car in the accessible parking spaces available along the street.

Opening Hours

Monday 5pm - 11pm
Tuesday 5pm - 11pm
Wednesday 5pm - 11pm
Thursday 5pm - 11pm
Friday 5pm - 11pm
Saturday 5pm - 11pm
Sunday 11:30am - 2:30pm
5pm - 11pm

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What people say

Cognoscenti Food & Wine is a charming restaurant located in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges. The restaurant offers a warm and cosy atmosphere that makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it's a special celebration or just a mid-week meal. The menu is carefully crafted by the talented chefs who use only the freshest ingredients to create delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

One of the highlights of Cognoscenti Food & Wine is their roast menu, which is available for lunch on Sundays. The chefs put together an amazing selection of roasts that are simply mouth-watering. And if you're a wine lover, you'll be pleased to know that they have an impressive wine list with some great picks like the 2022 Sentio Aligoté from King Valley, Victoria.

For dessert lovers, Cognoscenti Food & Wine has something special in store - their hazelnut crème brûlée served with coffee ganache, wattleseed and blackcurrant compote is simply divine. And if you're a seafood fan, don't miss out on their wood-fired oysters baked with Café de Paris butter.

Overall, Cognoscenti Food & Wine is a must-visit restaurant in Melbourne. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, delicious food and impressive wine list, it's no wonder why this place has become so popular among locals and tourists alike. So why not make a booking today and experience it for yourself?