If there’s a word that keeps coming up when surveying Melbourne’s top deal-makers on suitable lunch venues, it’s privacy. The Victorian capital lacks Sydney’s showiness, or its largesse. Business lunches are a bit shorter, and more serious. Partners are less likely to be invited. Business and pleasure are kept distinct.

But even Melbourne’s most publicity-shy power players still need to market themselves. To do so, subtly, they seek out restaurants with discreet booths, or, even better, private rooms.