Chadstone shopping centre’s unofficial evolution from Fashion Capital to Food Capital continues apace with the opening of Cityfields, an enormous two-level brasserie that will cater to 600 drinkers, diners and partygoers when it fully opens over coming weeks.

The latest opening in Chadstone’s new Social Quarter precinct features a balcony with firepit and city views, a vintage Murano chandelier suspended above a winding staircase and a bespoke Sling Shaker − a bar-top machine modelled on a famous contraption at Singapore’s Raffles Hotel − that can jiggle six drinks at a time, no human required.

“We’re part of Chadstone being seen in a different light.”

Adam Wright-Smith

The venue is a huge step for co-owner Adam Wright-Smith, whose other restaurant is South Melbourne’s hard-to-find back-street barn Half Acre.

The crowd-pleasing menu, from chef Tim Martin (ex Untitled and Rockpool), roams from bar snacks to salads such as a classic Caesar but with kale, plus handmade pastas (the busiate tossed with tomato and bone marrow is an early win) and an American-style cheeseburger.

Wood-fired steaks are a focus too. Adam Wright-Smith points to the chateaubriand and a T-bone that’s big enough to share between eight people. A “tart cart″⁣ wheels around treacle pie and other treats by day, then fancies up with chocolate delice by night.

Ice-cream is made on-site, with soft-serve flavours including Milo affogato and rhubarb with elderflower pavlova.

“We’re part of Chadstone being seen in a different light,” says Wright-Smith, pointing to newly opened Cinque Terre, with its upscale version of la dolce vita.

“It’s not just shops and a food court. This can be a place for serious restaurants and nightlife.”

Open Mon-Fri noon-9pm, Sat-Sun noon-11pm.

1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone, cityfields.com.au