Long a firm favourite with the Canberra south coast pilgrims, St Isidore combined smart dining with plenty of rural charm. Views to the kitchen garden from the patio, a seasonal menu and a sense of laid-back style, made it a must do destination.

But those eight years also served up a young family and chef Delly and his partner in business and life Thomas have decided there needs to be a better balance for them and their three young children.

Delly is managing witching hour at home before he heads in to the restaurant for the dinner service - he's not sure which is easier.

"After eight years it's time to do something else," he said.

That something else will be Small Town Food + Wine, still in Milton, still with a similar philosophy.

"It will be food, it will be wine, it will be a classic stirred cocktail, it will be very cosy," says Thomas.

"It will be a place to meet up for a drink, for an oyster, or a snack or a meal. And it will have the same DNA as St Isidore but will offer a new alternative for the area."

The venue will be a cosy 20-seater, with marble and timber accents. The food will be stripped back and coastal.

Expect mud crab with rice, curry leaves and fried garlic and snacks such as sea urchin roe. The wine list will see an expanded by the glass selection with an emphasis on small producers.

The last service will be August 24.

Get there while you still can.

St Isidore calls last meals before new adventure begins first appeared on The Canberra Times.