Vue de monde closes for two months for $3.8m restaurant renovation

One of the city’s best restaurants is closing its doors at the end of next month for a multimillion-dollar facelift — here’s what’s to expect from the revamp.

Vue de monde executive chef Hugh Allen said the $3.8m renovation would transform the main dining room, kitchen and bar. Picture: Tony Gough

Melbourne’s favourite sky-high fine diner Vue de monde will close next month for major renovations.

The Rialto’s level 55 restaurant, made famous by star chef Shannon Bennett, will serve its last chocolate souffle on July 22, with the plan of reopening on October 4.

Executive chef Hugh Allen said the $3.8m facelift would transform the main dining room and open kitchen, with a new-look Lui Bar and events space on the cards.

Vue de monde won’t look like this in October.

Those million-dollar views will remain.

“A lot of the kitchen will change, mainly with new equipment and lighting,” Allen said.
“The restaurant will look familiar, just with better lighting. Each table will have its own spotlight so people can take photos of every dish.”

“(At Lui Bar) we’ll also have a completely new circle bar, with lounge seating and sofas.”

Staff will take August off and return to work in September ahead of the reopening.

“By September we’ll be back and start getting ready. We’ll re-look at the drinks, bar and beer list, how guests arrive and leave Vue — we’ll re-look at everything,” Allen said.

Vue de monde’s refurbishment marks a new chapter for the fine diner, which ranked No. 2 in last year’s delicious. 100 best restaurants guide.

While it may be tough to nab a dinner reservation ahead of the closure, Allen said Friday and Saturday lunches were easier to come by.

He also encouraged diners to try their luck by putting their name on the reservation waitlists.

Vue de monde’s last service will be Saturday July 22.