New Melbourne Hot Spots
Melbourne welcomes Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto and Brown and Do
There is no denying that Melbourne’s restaurant and bar scene is one of the city’s major drawcards. From the culturally infused and palate teasing Brown and Do Café to the sophisticated hotel dining spotted across the city.
The glitz and sophistication of internationally renowned hotel dining has established a solid name in the city precinct. Both Hilton Melbourne South Wharf and Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto have benchmarked themselves as leading and reputable restaurants where food is of an upmost quality and dining is an exceptional experience.
Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, 2 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf (03) 9027 2000
The city’s new South Wharf district is set to stir the social hub of the South Wharf precinct, attracting food-lovers and pleasure-seekers with the new edition of Hilton Melbourne South Wharf, opened in April 2009.
With an internationally renowned master chef from Spain and a distinguished wine expert - sharing an astounding four Michelin stars between them - the Hilton is sure to bring an exciting fusion of authentic Catalan flavours to Melbourne’s restaurant scene.
Located in the heart of Hilton Melbourne South Wharf’s entrance, Caffé Cino is the casual yet stylish café where patrons can enjoy a deliciously fresh and hearty breakfast or lunch.
Sotano wine and tapas bar promises vibrant, Barcelona-style dining. Fresh produce is laid out before diners, including a spectacular 4.4 metre high charcuterie tower displaying an array of tantalising cured meats and cheeses as a working part of the bar with dishes prepared in front of guests. The vibrant atmosphere will be fuelled by an arresting wine gantry that seems to float above the room. Suspended from the seven metre high ceiling and housing 2500 bottles of wine – the gantry is one of the hotel’s many striking features. Relax in the evening alfresco-style overlooking Melbourne’s picturesque city skyline while enjoying a cocktail.
Nuevo 37 will rival some of Melbourne’s finest establishments with its interpretation of contemporary food. Guests are able to witness the theatre of food preparation as dishes are prepared at a free-standing, open kitchen. Sophisticatedly designed and framed by untreated wooden logs across the ceiling, the setting offers stylish modern contrasts in a chic and classy atmosphere.
InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, 495 Collins Street, Melbourne (03) 9620 9111
After the resurrection of one of Melbourne’s grandest heritage hotels, the iconic InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto has marked its reputation as being one of the city’s leading food mecca’s with its collection of casual, formal and event dining options for guests and patrons.
The revitalised hotel, furnished with an exciting and contemporary design, encapsulates the iconic aspects of Melbourne’s unique history and cosmopolitan culture.
The Rialto’s executive chef, Nick Reade, has benchmarked the hotel’s culinary identity through interpretations of fluid food trends and ingredients from around the world.
The hotel has a newly developed 200km concept. While international flavours and produce will be sourced for some dishes, Reade will also offer signature dishes made entirely from ingredients that are grown or produced from within a 200km radius of the hotel.
The Rialto team now have a comprehensive understanding of the food in the hotel's neighbourhood and are working with local farmers and growers to ensure the best and freshest produce on the plate.
The hotel’s dining options include; Market Lane Bar – an elegant and sophisticated venue, with more than 100 martinis including a special selection featuring indigenous ingredients.
Rialto Bluestone is fashioned on the classic wine bar concept, offering Victorian and Australian wines in various major and boutique labels.
Alluvial Restaurant is striking to the eye with its intimate mosaic interior. The menu is modern Australian inspired by ingredients and styles from around the world, predominantly Europe and Asian, and premium, hard-to-find Victorian produce.
Brown and Do, 166 Bridport Street, Albert Park (03) 9699 8969
Brown and Do is the newest restaurant to hit the bayside suburb of Albert Park and legendary restaurateur and baker, Greg Brown is sure to shake up the local dining scene with this new addition.
Once considered as an eruptive perfectionist in the kitchen while running a highly successful chain of bakeries - Brown has rebounded onto the restaurant scene following several years out of action and has teamed up with Theo Do.
Brown is considered the creative director while Do is the hands behind the inspiration. Brown tastes, instructs, supervises and plans the menu. The food provides diners with an interesting mix of French and Vietnamese fusion. Vietnamese trimmings in the restaurant interior add an acknowledging and sentimental meaning to the Parisian-inspired bistro.
Brown and Do is a food-lovers experience. From the freshly baked and buttery light brioches to the diablo of lobster and scallop with leeks, lobster oil and mustard – whatever is ordered, Brown and Do is set to offer an exquisite food experience.