Power lunches in Melbourne

A decade is a long time in restaurant years – especially in Melbourne, land of the fickle diner. So what is it about this high-end Cantonese restaurant that’s kept it kicking strong through over 40 years, multiple recessions, a pandemic, the digital age and a plague of screechers decreeing the death of fine dining?There’s the unwavering attention to detail to start: service at Flower Drum is a carefully choreographed dance, which some of its waiters have been perfecting for 20-plus years. There’s not a second you’re not in someone’s scope from the moment you step into the Market Lane foyer. Hands are shaken. Regulars are greeted by name – they have their own tables and order dishes long gone from the menu. But it’s allowed. So long as executive chef Anthony Lui has the ingredients, he’ll still pull a lemon chicken out of the hat if he’s asked.

As Society’s more relaxed and – dare we say – cooler sibling, Lillian is a Euro-inspired bistro and bar named in honour of the legendary couture atelier proprietor and businesswoman, Lillian Wightman. The moniker is apt, given the ultra-chic and sophisticated vibes of the space, which is flourished with fringed, almost flapper-esque pendant lights, curved caramel-hued banquettes and an enormous black-and-white piece of art that looks like it belongs in an issue of Vogue Italia. Most importantly, this restaurant has all your business lunch essentials downpat: epic béarnaise-sauced steak sangas complete with silver pins holding each half together, bougie snacks like lobster and leek croquettes, and last but not least, a sophisticated wine list.

Not every business lunch necessitates a formal dining room or three-hour degustation marathon. In fact, sometimes you'd rather a bit more of a casual feel, depending on the discussion at hand. If it's a lively, relaxed dinner you're after, Marameo fits the bill. Its convivial energy and "cheeky Italian" cuisine doesn't take itself too seriously, and will put any company you've invited to dinner at ease. Best of all, on weekdays, there's a $49 express lunch with easy share plates and your choice of pasta, so you don't need to break the bank.

The legendary Crown steakhouse may have lost some of the shimmer it enjoyed in the first decade of its operations, but it still stands up as one of Melbourne's most reliable power lunch destinations. Between the sharp service, the impressive wine list, the selection of diligently sourced and aged meats and generous room between the tables, Rockpool is the ideal venue for wheeling and dealing. Take advantage of the private rooms for sensitive business.

It used to be the hottest restaurant you couldn’t get into, but luckily it now takes bookings. The décor and menu read like a casual affair, but the reality is anything but. Coupled with a smart beverage offering, it’s the ideal venue to host creatives. Bring someone who is prepared to eat with their hands as much as they are with cutlery. Snacks, buns and flatbreads are best enjoyed with abandon.

The sea of suits in Tonka means business. Its close proximity to 101 Collins might have something to do with it, but it’s not just the financial district that likes to entertain here. The bold flavours and interesting textures keep formal meetings engaging, but it’s the bright, light open space and discreet service style that makes it a go-to for anyone with a corporate credit card.

This sleek three-level Japanese restaurant from Chris Lucas isn't just a good idea for impressing a date, it's also perfect for business affairs, courtesy of its private dining rooms and fancy omakase menus. Swill a glass of red by the wine bar while you talk numbers, or settle in for a luxuriant multi-course meal. However you choose your adventure at Kisumé, it's bound to be memorable.