Pilot.

A very unique dining experience. Most of the food was quite nice (highlights were the milk bun, abalone skewer and desert) however a few of the dishes were quite alternative and not my favourite. They however did cater well to dietary requirements which was good. The alcoholic drink pairings were very different to what you normally find - sour beers, sake etc., and the non-alcoholic drink pairings were even more left field. I highly recommend NOT getting these if you don’t like experimenting with new things or just want classic wine. The wines that were included in the pairing were nothing special. Also, the waiter we had started off on the very wrong foot and soured the experience - after getting my wife’s allergies she then asked me if I was allergic to shellfish (which I’m not) and I said I didn’t have any allergies, the waiter said quite loudly “way to throw it in her face”.

First of all .. I would love to say how delightful the entire course was, but there is one thing that I might say that could've made the entire meal whole. We were greeted by the waitstaff promptly as we enter, seated, and introduced to the menu and wine list. We've decided on a degustation menu for 2 with beverage pairings, as per our reservation. Had a great meal, and had a great drinks. The waitstaff have been very attentive and very well informed of what they're serving, and kindly to take the time to explain so there were no rush. So there we are .. we were delighted and happy with the entire experience, but .. I was really really hoping to eat a house made bread with butter .. I know it sounds a bit old fashioned, but I felt like in a restaurant that serve such a culinary delights, at the very least bread should be included in the degustation menu .. and I'm sure the entire meal will be more wholesome. But there we are again, we were happy so we took the experience as a one to remember.

Pilot is a bit different. They do a blind tasting menu in a quiet suburban neighbourhood. You won't know what you are eating until the food is placed before you. However, you can tell them you dietary requirements and they will accommodate them. From my experience, they do lean more towards seafood. We had Sunday lunch there. As far as food goes, it is excellent. Very innovative. In most cases, you won't be able to tell exactly what you are eating until they tell you. No crazy science experiments here but they are very good at creating intriguing dishes from simple ingredients. Service is attentive and high touch. Each dish and wine selection (if you opt for the pairing) are carefully explained. Speaking of wine pairing. The selection is good on the whole but there are one or two wines that seems to be there more for the novelty value than a perfect match to the food. Value is reasonable for the food you shall receive. The restaurant is small. Twenty odd seats inside plus a few more outdoors. Booking is essential.

It was an absolutely amazing meal! Great service. Really delicious courses. The drink pairings were fantastic. Felt like royalty! Of course it's expensive, but definitely worth it. They were very considerate of dietary requirements. Both the alcoholic pairing (which I had) and the non alcoholic pairing (which my husband had) were fabulous. No complaints!

Subtle and delicious degustation experience. The non-alcoholic pairing is highly recommended as it was surprisingly refreshing and matched amazingly with the food. We loved the fish and the mushrooms, but felt the wagon wheel at the end was a tad bit too sickly sweet. The service was nicely paced and each dish arrived at the right time.

December 2024 we have been here twice before and really liked the impromptu style of menu and tasting. there were many memorable dishes and wines as well as non-alcoholic drinks. that appears to have all come to a grinding halt. we had chosen to sit outside as the weather was forecast to be pleasant but the outside chairs were cheap and uncomfortable. the opening dishes were almost unpleasant, the one with full unshelled prawns hadn't been prepared correctly so the prawns were chewy. another dish promised poached Balmain bugs but they were translucent and raw. had they been finely sliced it may have worked but as it was chunky it was chewy and too much effort to grind your way through. i overheard other tables discussing raw nature of the dish with consternation. generally the dishes appeared, on paper, to be interesting but the execution was not there. had they been prepared and cooked properly the night might have been enjoyable. the other problem is the wine paring and non-alcoholic drink paring. with each wine you get a history of the winemaker with excruciating detail which go to the point where i asked the waiter to stop talking. most of the wines were made by ex-public servants, which should be a red flag, and most of the wines were unpleasant. usually you find something new and different instead of a range of wines confirming why they are not popular. the non-alcoholic drinks were all rather sweet and simple without the interesting concoctions of previous visits. considering the high cost, terrible food and wine, and uncomfortable seats i never want to eat there again.

The atmosphere is fantastic—cozy yet stylish with plush green seats, soft lighting, and an open kitchen that adds a fun vibe. The seven-course degustation is a creative ride, with dishes like “fish and chips” (mackerel cracker with potato dip) and wagyu with tomato butter that burst with flavor. Every plate is a surprise, blending Aussie nostalgia with global flair. The all-Australian wine and non-alcoholic pairings are spot-on, and the staff are super friendly, explaining each dish with passion. My only gripe? You can’t choose how your steak is cooked, which feels odd for a place this good. Still, the food, service, and vibe make Pilot a standout.

What a discovery! Sunday lunches outside of clubs can be a bit hard to find, but Google came up with Pilot - admittedly on the wrong side of the lake. We had the 7 course degustation with matched drinks, an event which took 3 hours, so obviously we were not being hurried or hassled. A fragrant refreshing tea starter immediately announced that this place was different. Beautifully matched food and drinks; professionally explained and served, and, correctly, drinks that is, poured at the table. Food was fresh, tasty, different and entirely delicious, and if you want, yes, you can lick the plate! Not the place for a quick bite, but if you have the time to allow indulgence, then go, and go hungry. You won't be disappointed