Six Venues Worth Treating Yourself at This Spring

Spring is when Melbourne starts to defrost and we suddenly feel like being out and about again. On a sunny day, the pull of a few drinks and an indulgent meal becomes stronger – and it’s the perfect excuse to visit the restaurant you’ve been meaning to try, order another round of drinks or settle in for a meal that stretches well into the evening. And when dining out costs a little less, it’s easier to treat yourself – whether that’s dessert, a better bottle of wine or the dish you’ve been eyeing on the menu – or simply make eating out a more regular ritual.

Fortunately, the city has no shortage of venues made for exactly that. And with EatClub offering deals during off-peak times that are redeemed discreetly through the app, it’s even more realistic to say yes to a long lunch, a midweek dinner or an impromptu catch-up over a few glasses of wine. Here are six spots worth adding to your spring rotation.

Kolkata Cricket Club

Hidden inside Crown, Mischa Tropp’s restaurant takes inspiration from the cricket clubs and social canteens of Kolkata, in the Indian state of West Bengal. The menu moves between smoky tandoor cooking, vibrant curries and chaat – savoury Indian street snacks – while playful cocktails and a wine menu centring Indian producers make it easy to stick around.

Meatworksco

A good steak dinner rarely fails to satisfy, and Meatworksco delivers with premium cuts slow-roasted, braised or smoked on-site. Alongside the signature steaks, expect burgers, ribs, sausages and pastrami, drawing on Southern American barbeque tradition. With meat platters available for up to eight people, it’s the kind of place that rewards arriving hungry.

Bistro Guillaume

A meal at Bistro Guillaume has always offered a little Parisian escapism. The elegant dining room pairs classic French bistro cooking with polished service, making it equally suited to a leisurely lunch or special-occasion dinner. Start with freshly shucked oysters or steak tartare before moving on to duck confit or steak frites, then finish with crème brûlée if you’re not quite ready to go home.

Da Noi

A South Yarra institution for over three decades, Da Noi has built a loyal following through traditional Sardinian cooking, warm hospitality and an equally cosy ambience. Pasta is made in-house, much of the produce comes from owner Pietro Porcu’s farm, and the menu follows the seasons with dishes that rotate regularly. Order à la carte or choose the chef’s selection, built around whatever is fresh that day.

Kori

Whether you’re after an afternoon pick-me-up or something sweet after dinner, Kori proves ice-cream isn’t just for summer. The Japanese-inspired ice-creamery serves flavours that regularly draw on ingredients such as black sesame, hojicha, Japanese cheesecake and yuzu, alongside rotating seasonal specials. Order yours in a cup or one of the house-made cones in flavours like matcha or chocolate.

The Metropolitan Hotel

The Metropolitan Hotel has been around for 170 years and counting, but a recent revitalisation has breathed new life into the pub. Multiple levels offer something for every occasion. Head to the rooftop terrace for drinks and city views, or settle in for pub classics and weekly specials like burger, parma, steak or pizza night. Every Saturday, you can also treat yourself to a boozy bottomless brunch.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with EatClub.