What else would you do in the country but drink wine? I…read moredon't know the answer to that but I do know this modern wine bar is the place you will spend most of your early afternoons in Daylesford if you have any leaning towards grapes. Ridiculously cheap produce platters full of cheese, paté and local oil and a glass of wine from their huge selection of sparkling, white, red, rose and more is a great way to start an evening. If you visit over the weekend then get there early as the spots available to sit are fairly limited. The young ex-Melbourne couple that run the place are totally cool and make me want to leave "city life" and resign in the hills to do the same. Their knowledge of every product (from food to wine and gifts) they have in store is spectacular, and you won't be able to walk out without buying something - they have a knack of conveying the passion of the producer to the consumer. I'm in the country and in love.

I love the name of Wine and the Country because it so accurately sums up what lays inside - wine,…read moreand bits of the country. When I say wine, I mean A LOT OF WINE. There must be well over 100 wines to choose, from all over Victoria, Australia and the world. On my most recent visit I indulged in (one too many) natural wines, which were absolutely outstanding. If you have no clue about wine (like me) the ridiculously helpful staff will help. Seriously, just tell them your favourites colours/flavours/price range and they'll pick something out for you to take home or drink in store - YES, it's a bar too! When I say country, I mean delicious, locally sourced produce from the nearby country-land - Daylesford and beyond. Cured meats, small goods and freshly baked breads - they'll make you a platter to accompany your wine likes nobodies business. If you went to Daylesford, you would honestly be a complete fool to not go to Wine and the Country.

Fine dining at its best. We were able to get a table but, suggest you book!!…read more I honestly wasn't sure when I first saw the menu but, that quickly all went away after the first bite of the eggplant chips with raw beef!!! You could tell the chips were made with care and precision. I was wanting to order another plate. The first of our mains was the 1/2 baby chicken which was a large cut for one. I tend to eat the items on my plate singularly (I'm weird) but, this dish forced you to combine and I simply loved it!! The balance is obviously the main strength. The second main was the duck. I have NEVER had cooked at this high standard and the quince dressing was perfect with it. We were full after all this but we wanted to continue eating because the food was so delicious. I loved the chilli pineapple (with a one-punch) and ice cream sandwich, and the house made apple sorbet was very fresh.

Very sweet interior with mixed pattern antique porcelain plates and cozy environment. My friend and…read moreI started with the fennel salad which was crisp and flavorful. I had a seared piece of barramundi in a crab broth with greens and coconut rice, so satisfying and the broth was spectacular. My friend had the lamb ribs which were well prepared, and a very large portion. The only thing that was a miss for us was her charred kale and purple sweet potato salad which had a dressing too sweet for our palates. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive, would highly recommend!!

An evening deep in dark Daylesford on a frosty winters night, my partner and I on a lovely weekend…read moreaway elected Rubens as our first feasting feat. Though, firstly we were told they were unable to seat us without a reservation on night like this. So away we went and returned when our time came. The interior is sparsely decorated, a pizza oven feature in the main dining area, a beautiful touch, if it functions, I do not know. Clean, contemporary, functional wooden furniture that cleverly compliment the exposed ceiling beams which are common in these parts. The restaurant was bustling and all seemingly enjoying. The serving staff are polite and professional, attentive however there were a few repeated questions, implying there was a lack of communication and/or organisation with front of house, however given how busy Rubens was this night, staff being over attentive is hardly a complaint. We ordered a Margherita, mostly because we couldn't decide on anything else. The ingredients were so fresh and the base was perfect! However, there was a shocking lack of depth to the flavour. Strange especially as one would assume the Napoli sauce base and the basil pesto on this pizza should be house made? All I could taste was sourness. There was a sad excuse for a garnish of grated beets and sparsely scattered roquette- refer to my photo. For $15, in Daylesford, I was disappointed frankly. Now, for one of the two issues that has lead me to to the two stars. I'll admit I made an adjustment to a menu item which is usually a no no however, the concept wasn't that dissimilar to what was already on there. I asked the for Napoli Marinara with Gnocchi instead of the listed spaghetti- why? Because I wanted Gnocchi. Boy, do I regret this order! I expected floury, potato pillows with fresh seafood and rich Napoli sauce. What I got was, sour mash potato marinara soup. Considering the beautiful meals I saw on other tables, I am unsure how my meal turned out this way. I sent it back. They didn't charge me for it. I would have expected an a word from the manager but didn't hear a peep. I was brought a spaghetti with Napoli sauce in place of my meal ($22) is strange to admit I was surprised we were charged for this, considering it is a basic dish chosen to correct an error? You may be surprised to learn, that the sauce was sour. This is the second reason I have come to the two stars, an Italian inspired/style restaurant that can not master red sauce is an embarrassment. To develop complexity and to balance flavour in a basic red sauce, is admittedly something that requires technique and practice, but possibly one of the most important things a chef/cook must learn. The Mango Island cocktail that is quite popular from all accounts, is very decent, strong and sweet, worth a taste if you happen upon Rubens. If..

We had a pleasant evening meal here at Ruben's…read more The starter sharing plate was delicious, as were the donuts for dessert. The pizza left me disappointed though. The base is not made in house and a bit frozen pizza-ish if I'm honest. Not what you want from an Italian restaurant. The toppings were fresh though. The pasta had by our friends was very nice from all accounts. Staff were very nice and very helpful.