Negroni Doorbells, Cacio e Pepe Arancini and a Retro Dessert Trolley: Tippy-Tay Is Now Open

For six years, Garden State Hotel has been one of the CBD’s biggest and buzziest watering holes. Now, it’s taking things up a notch with Tippy-Tay, its new Italian-style eatery.

“The front of the pub is vibrant and has a very busy nightlife,” says head chef Dylan Evans. “We wanted to have a dining room that reflects the same energy.”

With its yellow and green-tiled archway, sun-shaped neon sign, and DJ set-up right in the middle of the dining room, it’s clear Tippy-Tay is fit for purpose. “It’s got that party, fun vibe, which is what we’re going for throughout the whole venue,” says Evans.

The team also wanted to create something distinct from the rest of the pub – hence the Italian theme. Inspired by Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the restaurant serves an array of Mediterranean dishes and drinks available exclusively when dining at Tippy-Tay.

The menu is seafood-heavy, with options like snapper crudo, grilled king prawns with garlic and chilli, and a spin on salami made with marinated octopus. Plus, cacio e pepe arancini.

You’ll also find plenty of house-made pastas. Last Night’s Lasagne is a standout – layered with fresh lasagne sheets and beefy sugo, it’s prepped the day before then sliced and reheated until perfectly crisp. “That’s always the best part, the crispy bits around the edge where the cheese is melting over,” says Evans. “This way, everyone gets the best part of the lasagne.”

For dessert, look out for the retro airline trolley working its way around. On the bottom, you’ll find tiramisu and cannoli. And on top, a selection of amaro and other aperitifs.

On the walls are small, doorbell-like buttons; press one to order a Negroni fountain directly to your table. “It’s quite similar to an absinthe fountain,” says Evans. “It’ll have Negroni in the middle, then you’ll be served glasses with ice and oranges.”

Tippy-Tay
101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Hours:
Mon & Tue 5pm to late⁠
Wed & Thurs 12pm–3pm, 5pm–late⁠
Fri to Sun 12pm–late

tippytay.com.au