Messmates Dining

We had our first dinner out without the kids in nine years, and Messmates was the perfect choice. Absolutely incredible food and genuinely attentive, polished service. Every dish was divine and the whole experience felt special. Highly recommend to anyone dining in Warragul. We’ll definitely be back.

This was, without a doubt, one of the best dining experiences of my life. We made the trip up from Melbourne to finally dine at Messmates after following their journey on Instagram and hearing rave reviews. Even with high expectations, nothing could have prepared me for just how extraordinary the entire evening would be. From the very moment we walked through the door, the warmth of the service set the tone. Mel was exceptional going above and beyond to guide us through the menu, perfectly pairing wines with our dishes, and offering thoughtful recommendations that turned out to be absolute standouts. Her knowledge, passion, and genuine hospitality elevated the whole experience to a level we rarely encounter (and we eat out often!). Every bite was flawless. The menu celebrated local produce in a way that felt both refined and deeply personal, we loved hearing the stories of where the ingredients came from, lamb sourced just down the road, leeks from “dad’s farm,” truffles freshly harvested Wednesday in Icy Creek. That sense of place and connection to the land shone through in every dish, making the food feel even more meaningful. The atmosphere was just as special. The friendly banter between fellow diners gave the evening a sense of community, as if we’d been regulars here for years. It was intimate, vibrant, and utterly joyful, a rare kind of magic you can’t manufacture. Messmates is more than a restaurant, it’s a sanctuary of incredible food, heartfelt service, and genuine soul. Warragul is so lucky to have it, and we can’t wait to return again and again this time bringing more friends from Melbourne to share in the magic.

Truly a hidden gem of Gippsland! Have had the pleasure of dining here a few times now and my experience has always been faultless. The venue is cosy, classy and intimate. The service from the moment you walk in the door is warm, friendly and professional. The seasonal menu is thoughtfully curated and every dish executed to absolute perfection. Truly a wonderful dining experience and as a big foodie I feel very blessed to have a venue of this quality right around the corner.

Well where do I start. Had the Chef's selection as it was going to give us a real coverage of the menu and we weren't disappointed . And it's comforting to go to a restaurant that is full to the brim as it usually means good food. Yes a bit on the pricey side for most people but there is a level of value.Two dishes that particularly hit the spot were the Roast Chicken with Lemon and Herb Gravy ( loved that gravy and chicken so moist) and probably the pick of the night , the Blistered Tomatoes, anchovy, Zucchini and Basil Pangrattato. Extensive wine list, and quality on the wine list but quite pricey, and cocktails not cheap. Have given 5 stars but it's probably a 4.8 as there are two minor things, when it's full the atmosphere can be a little noisey and I think they could of added more flavour into the Smashed Buttered Potatoes which were a tiny bit bland. Other than that an excellent night with excellent service

We love everything we ordered in the restaurant, the dishes are delicious, amazing and full of surprises, frankly speaking, the quality is better than most of the Melbourne restaurants. The service is friendly and welcoming, the prices are reasonable, worth to visit!

Food was amazing and the service was incredible. I don’t feel there is any other option like this in Warragul. Walked in and was greeted right away and wished a Happy Anniversary. Our waiter was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, gave us some suggestions from the menu. We opted for the Fresh Oysters and the Gnocco which were delicious. We went with the carrots next but who would have thought a humble carrot would have almost been the best dish of the night. Steak tartare and pork fillet were next finished with an amazing pudding with a whisky custard. I washed it all down with some local Reds. Country fine dining at its best, relaxed atmosphere, the staff were very professional but extremely friendly. Can I rate it 10 out of 5?

We dined again at Messmates in Warragul last night and were absolutely blown away. The service was so warm and welcoming from the moment we arrived — you can really feel the passion and care from the whole team. Every dish was bursting with incredible flavours and beautifully showcased local produce, thoughtfully balanced and impeccably presented. Highlights were the Gnocco Fritto and Roasted Baby Carrots. The drinks list is perfectly curated, with a great selection of local wines and some truly impressive handmade cocktails that complemented the food wonderfully. (We had the Margarita which was perfect with an oyster) The interior is stunning — modern, elegant, and cosy all at once — creating the perfect atmosphere for a special night out. Warragul is so lucky to have a restaurant of this calibre, with such talented chefs and attentive, knowledgeable waitstaff. Messmates is an absolute gem — we can’t wait to come back!

We had the pleasure of working with the Messmates team for a week long gig recently. Outstanding food, outstanding flavours, legends to work with. Clients and guests all really happy. DEFINITELY go and eat in the restaurant. Scrumptious. Thx to Jodie, Chris, Mel, Courtney and the team xo.