Melbourne sure loves a neighbourhood wine bar – from the lady and her poodle enjoying a riesling in a sunny patio, to two lovers sharing dinner and a bottle of sangiovese in the sultry dusk of a courtyard. Let's face it: no matter who you are, life just feels a lot sweeter when you're sipping on something special, somewhere pretty.
In fact, we reckon this town lays claim to some of the finest wine bars in Australia – but that doesn't mean we don't get excited when another one opens up. Enter Wally's, the brand new watering hole to join Albert Park Village.
"Wally’s is the result of my deep-seated passion for wine and a desire to deliver an exceptional hospitality experience to guests," says Baxter Pickard, the bar's owner and a former Albert Park local. "My vision for Wally’s is to create a venue where guests can indulge in exceptional wines paired with incredible dishes, served in a sophisticated, European-influenced environment.”
Step inside and you’ll be greeted by a cosy space featuring mirrors, marble and pops of yellow to make you feel like you're on summery getaway. And if you're more of an al fresco kinda person, grab a seat outside and soak up those village vibes – furry friends are welcome!
At the heart of Wally’s is its epic 'book of wine', which showcases everything from easy-drinking gems to fancy-pants bottles that'll make you feel like a baller without breaking the bank. And let’s not forget the rare finds and auction treasures – passionate wine explorers are in for a treat.
In the kitchen, chef Damon McIvor (Waxflower) has joined forces with Pickard to whip up a menu that’s all about those Euro vibes. Think fresh, seasonal bites like flatbread, oysters, skewers, lamb pastrami and silken pasta dishes that are perfect for pairing with your wines.
And it's food you can feel good about, too; supporting local is the name of the game at Wally’s, with ingredients sourced from top-notch Aussie producers like Somerset Heritage Produce and Spud Sisters.
Swing by six days a week, starting at 3pm on Tuesdays to Thursdays, and from noon onwards for lunch and dinner on Fridays to Sundays. Make a booking at the website.
