Open-air drinking and dining is enjoying a renaissance for reasons we know all too well, and this new pop-up garden bar and diner is making the most of the waterfront down at Sandridge Wharf.
The Yarra Kitchen and Bar makes its intentions abundantly clear by its name, offering stellar views of the river and Melbourne itself from garden tables and chairs. Looking for an outdoor catchup spot in the balmy weather? Look no further.
Executive chef Telina Menzies has devised a casual snacking menu and raw bar prioritising Australian seafood that’s well suited to summer and autumn arvos by the water. On the raw side we’re talking oysters, a Kingfish flatbread, tuna ceviche tacos, and salmon tostadas. On the cooked side expect pink pepper squid, a fried chicken snack box, crumbed Spring Creek barra bao buns, ‘loaded’ prawn rolls, and crinkle-cut chips (the best kind). To share, go for flat bread and dip featuring housemade tarama or smoked red pepper hummus, as well as cured meat boards and cheese boards.
A dedicated Spritz menu leads a drinks list that has the outdoors in mind, including local wines, hard seltzers and a wide range of tinnies, both classic and more fruity (the sour tang of Stomping Ground Passionfruit Smash is going to go down very nicely on warm days).
Right now they are doing two $45 bottomless specials on weekends. Saturdays noon-2pm you can get Bottomless Brunch, with two hours of bottomless Spritzes, tap beer and prosecco paired with a brunch item of choice. Sundays 3-5pm it's Sunday Spritz, with two hours of bottomless Spritzes plus a choice of three snack items.
Bookings are essential for the bottomless specials, but otherwise walk-in aren’t out of the question. Bring your friends, bring your pooch (on a lead of course), bring your appetite and head down to Southbank Promenade. The Yarra Kitchen and Bar will be ensconced through to May.