Staying true to their mantra, TARRA encompasses 'simple things done extraordinarily well' - we can confirm it!
TARRA, headed by the passionate Executive Chef Mike Jaques, is a beachside gem that offers locals and visitors alike a taste of the best the area has to offer.
Chef Jaques’ vision is clear: a venue that reflects the essence of where we live, with a menu that brings together the finest in seasonal, locally-sourced, and hand-foraged ingredients in elevated yet accessible dishes. With a strong focus on fish, this venue is a true Queenscliff postcard —perfect for anyone who’s just come off the beach and wants something that speaks to the spirit of the coast.
TARRA Queenscliff
- Breakfast (Daily): 8 am – 11 am
- Lunch (Daily): 12 pm- 4 pm
- Location: 1 Wharf St E, Queenscliff
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
View this post on Instagram
One thing that stood out immediately was Chef Jacques’ passion, which truly shines through in every carefully considered dish. As I watched him shuck oysters, reminiscing about his days working on an oyster farm, you can see the pride he has in his creations, and the local suppliers who support those dishes – including the incredible veggie growers from the Give Where You Live Foundation!
The oysters are plated beautifully on locally foraged kelp, with radish from a nearby farm adding a lovely slight crunch. The seaweed garnish, smoked and braised to enhance its umami flavor, offers the perfect balance of sea-saltiness without overpowering the delicate oysters. The kelp comes straight from the shores around TARRA, getting a solid wash before being braised and smoked for two components of the dish – a magic personal touch.
Next up, the baked scallops. These are served with the silkiest pumpkin puree, a macadamia crumb, and sage oil. The puree is a flawless partner to the gently warmed scallops, and the macadamia crumb adds a delightful texture throughout it all. The sage oil brings a burst of flavour that works in perfect harmony with the scallops’ natural saltiness and the sweetness of the puree. It’s a dish that truly sings of seasonal ingredients.
For a lighter, refreshing start, the heirloom tomatoes are a must-try. Locally grown and paired with Meredith goat’s cheese and basil oil, this dish couldn’t get any fresher. The tomatoes, bursting with flavour, meet the softest, lightest goat cheese and the herbal punch of basil oil, creating a wonderfully bright experience.
View this post on Instagram
The King Dory fillet is another standout—served with charred sweetcorn, crispy chicken skin, almonds, and almond milk sauce poured at the table. The initial bite was a delightful surprise; the crunch and brightness of the corn, chicken skin, and almonds play perfectly against the flaky, pan-roasted fish. The coz lettuce side salad, with fried capers and caper dressing, was a surprisingly perfect match, and I can’t say I’ve often been so enamoured with an entire head of lettuce. TARRA’s take on it will make you savour every bite.
Finally, the desserts are an unforgettable way to end the meal. I was lucky enough to be delivered two! First up, the caremelised chocolate mousse paired with strawberries, milk crisp, and a frozen strawberry granita. Each element delivers a burst of flavour with every bite. The milk wafer is reminiscent of the candied foam from a cappuccino—light and sweet – which is essentially how they created it, scooping off the top of some frothed milk. The frozen strawberry granita, made from offcuts of any strawberries used, adds a touch of vinegar that cuts through the sweetness, so be sure to take an ‘everything bite’ for a balanced experience.
Next up; a soft, warming grilled peach on a bed of mascarpone with pistachio biscuit, and rosemary-infused syrup. The numerous herby syrups and oils used across all meals were such a delight! This dessert is more subtle, with less sweetness than the caramelized white chocolate mousse, but equally delicious.
At TARRA, Chef Jacques’ and his team have created a dining experience that is a true reflection of the beauty and flavours of Queenscliff.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, TARRA offers an exceptional taste of the area, with dishes that feel both elevated and approachable, making it a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
