Alice O’Mara, Doug O’Mara, John Leverink and James Souter. Photo: Beltana Farm.
It’s been a long time in the making but new dining destination Beltana Farm has finally been announced. The truffière (truffle orchard), formerly known as Pialligo Truffle Farm, will be the backdrop to a new restaurant with boutique accommodation.
Farm owners Alice and Doug O’Mara have teamed up with Canberra hospitality legends James Souter and John Leverink, the team responsible for modern Australian fine-dining restaurant The Boat House, ramen bar Canteen, and bourgie lakeside kiosk Margot.
“Beltana Farm is a celebration of the land, our incredible produce, and the beauty of Pialligo,” Doug and Alice said.
“We have created a space where guests can explore, relax and indulge, just a few minutes from the city.”
The menu at Beltana Farm will use produce grown on-site and from other Pialligo growers. Photo: Beltana Farm.
The dining room has been designed by architects Terry Ring and Associates with EMVY Design to create a welcoming space that sits comfortably in the landscape. Local stone creates a cosy interior, while full-length windows and vaulted ceilings allow for views over the orchard of 800 host trees that grow in relationship with the truffles underground.
Truffle hunting events will continue during the season, as guests are invited to join canine experts Cameo and Loui to dig into the subtleties of this unique ingredient before enjoying the double-sided fireplace in the restaurant.
The truffle farm will still host truffle hunts and events during the winter months. Photo: Beltana Farm.
While truffles will undoubtedly be showcased in the winter months, the overall restaurant menu will be guided by seasonal availability. Chef John Leverink and the team will harvest some produce from the gardens at the farm and draw on their network of other local Pialligo suppliers.
A sample menu features charcoal squid, farm hazelnuts and pangrattato, and fried artichoke flowers with celeriac mayonnaise. A truffle event earlier in the year and a few subsequent private lunches have given lucky guests a sneak peek at what the Beltana Farm restaurant will offer, but everyone else will have to be patient until they officially open the doors in February.
The restaurant looks out over the truffle orchard. Photo: Beltana Farm.
Sommelier Tom Blakely has curated an all-Australian wine list to accompany the modern Australian menu, which will also feature native ingredients in dishes like oysters with pepperberry mignonette and whole roasted cauliflower with macadamia and native oregano.
There are four on-site accommodation options, including a two-bedroom cottage and architecturally designed yurts catering for couples and families. The thoughtfully designed boutique spaces offer farmhouse comfort and luxury.
On-site accommodation aims to attract foodies to stay overnight and enjoy the surrounds of the property. Photo: Beltana Farm.
While these will likely be a drawcard for interstate travellers, the team hopes that Canberrans will also visit for a break from the city.
“Our vision was to create a space where guests can side-step the hustle of daily life and focus on the company they are with, sharing moments over memorable food and drinks. This is a place to come and pass plates, laugh, share and unwind,” said James Souter.
Beltana Farm is set to become another dining destination for the ACT, capitalising on the quality of local produce and beautiful surrounds.
Beltana Farm is located at 14A Beltana Road, Pialligo, ACT. Bookings are open for accommodation, and follow Beltana Farm on Facebook or Instagram to be the first to hear about the restaurant’s official opening in 2024.
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