Emma Handley is a local girl returning home to her roots. Like many great Australian chefs she has worked overseas, after graduating in the 1990s. Her early days were at Walter’s Wine Bar, Scuza Mi, Toscanas and other renown Italiano ristoranti. She was head chef at The Ol’ Duke Portarlington, also at Spray Farm and has worked alongside her mate Michael Ryan (now of The Provenance, Beechworth).

Emma is passionate of Italian cuisine, particularly the cucina povera, the food of the poorer regions of southern Italy. “Real Italian food”, says Emma. “I love the way the Nonnas cook, with care, offering dishes with one or two strong flavours, uncomplicated, yet beautifully created”. Many of the fruits and vegetables Emma uses are from her Villa garden or her own extensive home plantings.

The villa is the holder of a chef hat in the Age good food guide (2006, 2007, 2011 & 2012).

Click here to view Emma's Table

Emma's daily changing degustation menu's are priced at $75 per head for 5 courses.

Our breakfasts also use the freshest local produce.

 la dolce vita!