What’s hot in Victorian food and drink from new bars to celeb chef visits
Stay one step ahead of the foodie crowd with our list of the hottest spots set to open next year. From bars run by footy stars to a cult US chain, we’ve served up the highlights for 2019.
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Good times beach pubs, revamped beer gardens, and cult burgers.
There’s plenty to look forward to in the coming months, from new bars with AFL stars at the helm to celeb chef visits, these are the hottest things set to happen in food and drink in Victoria.
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THE GREVILLE
Prahran
Opened this month
Inspired by the glitz and glam of the Italian Riviera, The Greville promises a one-stop shop of sipping and supping.
Enjoy a glass of bubbles or a cocktail shaken and stirred in the Champagne Bar, and move through to the marble-and-brass surrounds of the restaurant for modern Australian share plates before retiring upstairs to dance the night away.
PORTSEA HOTEL
Portsea
Opened this month
After seven months and many millions of dollars, the Portsea Hotel has reopened with a fresh look, feel and feeds, thanks to new head chef Paul Tyas (ex Grosvenor Hotel).
While the beer garden will again be the spot for summer pints and Pimms, new areas include the Bertrand Bar (named after sailing legend John Bertrand), Cliff’s Bar (a Californian burger bar) and the RIP whisky and cocktail bar.
HARLOW
Richmond
Opened this month
Taking the place of Richmond’s much-loved GBs (Great Britain Hotel) is a wine, dine and good times pub with a basement bar and dining area, deck, alcoves and courtyard in which four-legged friends are welcome. Telina Menzies turns out pub classics with a twist — think duck and bacon sausage rolls, bourbon and cola pork ribs, and mini crab doughnuts.
MOVIDA LORNE
Lorne
Opened this month
Following a successful pop-up last summer, MoVida will open a permanent home by the beach on the ground floor of the Lorne Hotel.
Along with the dining room, where big pans of paella, terrific tapas, sherry and sangria will be on high rotation through summer, there’ll be a deli and wine store for holiday-makers and Lorne locals to stock up on Iberian fare.
CARL’S JR
Docklands
Opens February
Cult US burger chain Carl’s Jr is coming to town. Following on from stores in Knox and Cranbourne, the global burger purveyor will open its third Victorian store in Docklands, where the signature Thickburgers and Ice Cream Milkshakes that first found fame in California will be served. The chain has plans for more than 30 outlets across the state.
SUSHI BOTO
St Collins Lane,
Scheduled to open February
From the team behind Melbourne’s White Mojo, Sushi Boto brings fresh sushi pieces to diners via cute sushi boats. Along with traditional sushi, there will be innovative items such as sushi doughnuts and sushi pizza to catch. The 80-seater is set to sail in February.
DRAGON HOT POT
Box Hill
Scheduled to open February
“Hot pot” — the dunk-and-dine phenomenon — has taken Melbourne by storm, and next year, Dragon will offer its version at Box Hill. Diners pick and choose from more than 100 ingredients that are then cooked at the table. For big appetites on a small budget, a hot pot is a one-stop shop of dining delights.
NIGELLA AND MASSIMO LIVE
Arts Centre & The Plenary,
Opens February & August
She’s one of the world’s most famous cooks and he’s one of the world’s best chefs at the helm of the world’s best restaurant. Next year, they’ll be in town to talk food.
In February, cookbook author, food writer and presenter Nigella Lawson will be on the Arts Centre stage for An Evening with Nigella Lawson, sharing her stories and insights into the world of food. Massimo Bottura, from Osteria Francescana, in Modena, Italy, will cover such topics as art, history, family and food as an agent of social change when he hits the Melbourne
Plenary stage in August.
LEVI
Murrumbeena
Scheduled to open late February/early March
With its name giving a nod to the site’s past as a jeans factory, Levi, opposite the new Murrumbeena Station, promises an indoor dog-friendly courtyard, private dining, kids’ room, indoor terrace and 160 seats across its 420sq m space.
Owners Kellie Buntz, Lucas Sproson (Hallelujah Coffee, Odo and Turtle Cafe) and Harry Butler (Frank’s) have enlisted innovative cafe chef Emma Jeffrey (ex Hammer & Tong, ammoth) to execute a menu of brunch/lunch favourites with an Instagram hit or two.
EAST END
Hawthorn East
Scheduled to open early March
Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn is turning his attention to all things grape.
The footy star is teaming with mate Rich Donovan to open East End, a London pub-inspired wine bar.
Expect a focus on European wines made by smaller producers when the venue opens in March at 225 Camberwell Rd.
THE BEACH HOUSE
Geelong
Scheduled to open May
The team that created three of Melbourne’s best cafes — Higher Ground, Kettle Black and Top Paddock — has sold its portfolio to concentrate on grand plans for 2019.
The Mulberry Group will bring The Beach House, a 1930s building on Geelong’s waterfront, back to life mid-year.
The ground floor will house a 120-seat cafe and takeaway kiosk, while the second floor will be given over to an events space. Chef Ben McMenamin (ex Liar Liar, Supernormal) will oversee a menu of modern cafe dishes.
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