Restaurant masterminds launch The North Melbourne Hotel
Owners Sandra and Jose De Oliveira are no strangers to the hospitality industry. With more than 30 years’ experience and five past, and present, successful Melbourne restaurant including Bouzy Rouge in Richmond, The North Melbourne Hotel shows massive potential to follow suit from its predecessors. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to a launch event at The North Melbourne Hotel.
Located on Victoria Street just outside the CBD, The North Melbourne Hotel boasts not only an exquisite menu but the décor is filled with antique pieces – from the metal crucifix to the stone Greek angels to the lavish chandeliers – there isn’t one detail that has been missed. The oasis of sophistication that the warm contrasting colours brings is definitely something to be experienced. The venue seats about 100 people between the lounge and dining area with large tables perfect for group bookings.
You’ll have to start your meal with something to drink – whether it’s a shaken martini, a bright cocktail or a classic beer or wine – the bar team has you covered. The wine list is filled with sourced wines from France, Italy and Portugal at exceptionally low prices starting from $5 a glass. If you fancy a beer both the sessional drinker and craft lover will find something on the menu including access local selections like the North Melbourne Hotel Draught at $4 a pot.
On the menu you’ll find a fusion between modern European and Mediterranean dishes. There is a bit of everything including jalapeno “poppers”, fresh ceviche and Saganaki. The menu is broken into small, medium and large plates including a twist on some classic dishes like seafood linguini marinara with white wine chilli, garlic and basil. The white sauce was so light we didn’t feel heavy even though we consumed a bowl of pasta.
The winners for the evening were the crispy Brussel sprouts with sherry vinegar and the char grilled eye fillet. It can sometimes be a challenge to make Brussel sprouts taste good but nutty, yet sweet flavouring from the sherry paired with the extra crunch from seeds did the trick. The fillet was perfectly medium rare sitting on a layer of creamy sweet potatoes and au jus. Food that looks like this is almost (but not quite) too good to eat.
To finish the night we shared three Italian doughnuts with salted caramel and vanilla ice cream. There are more Italian-themed desserts including tiramisu but if you’re looking for a lighter options the sorbet and fresh berries should satisfy the craving.
Alongside great food and drink, expect attentive and fast service by the team there. There hasn’t been a restaurant that the Sandra and Jose De Oliveira haven’t delivered in quality of food, trendy décor and great service. The North Melbourne Hotel ticks all the boxes!
480 Victoria Street, North Melbourne
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, Lunch and Dinner – 12pm until late
thenorthmelbournehotel.com.au