Where Chefs Eat: Amaru’s Clinton McIver Rates This Buzzy New Wine Bar’s Focaccia

In the past 10 years, High Street Armadale has gone from a bridal shop hub to a food and shopping destination. This is thanks to spots including Ruben’s Deli, Lune and Victor Churchill.

But Clinton McIver’s Amaru has been drawing people to the strip since 2016. In 2021, he opened sibling venue Auterra, a wine bar just across the street. The former Vue de Monde sous-chef is about to welcome chef Hiroyasu Kawate of Tokyo’s two-Michelin-starred Florilege for two collaboration dinners as part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. We caught up with McIver before the event to find out where (and what) he’s eating in Melbourne these days.

What’s your go-to for breakfast?
The Protein Powerhouse smoothie from Green Cup in Armadale. It’s quick, healthy and hits the spot every time.

What about lunch on the go?
The Pita Man in Caulfield. The green falafel pita with tabouli and hummus, made fresh to order, is unbeatable.

What’s your favourite place for a drink and snacks?
Suze, the new spot in Fitzroy. The focaccia is some of the best around – have it with the ricotta and figs, anchovies and guindilla peppers.

Favourite bakery?
Falco. I can’t go past the egg sandwich – it’s a classic for a reason.

What’s your favourite ice-cream or gelato spot?
Pidapipo – always pistachio, always double scoop, always waffle cone.

Best place to eat with a big group?
Mount Erica Hotel. The menu always delivers and it has a great wine list; you can pull a real gem if you know what you’re looking for.

What’s the most underrated restaurant in Melbourne?
There’s a little spot in Brighton called Bottarga on Martin Street. The culurgiones [stuffed pasta] are a surprising addition to the menu, but they say so much about the heart and thoughtfulness behind the team.

What’s your go-to for a late-night feed?
Right now, it’s Belles. Always the same order: a glass of Momento Mori Fistful of Flowers; four really hot wings and a chicken sandwich with extra pickles and ranch.

What’s a restaurant you’d happily drive to for a meal?
Laura. Chef Josep [Espuga] is incredible. It’s regional, seasonal cooking with an inspiring touch.

What’s your bucket-list restaurant?
Tedesca Osteria. I had a taste of Brigitte [Hafner] ’s cooking at an event once and I’ve been desperate to experience the full restaurant ever since.