Residence at Potter Museum of Art
In the heart of Parkville, where the Potter Museum of Art has undergone a thoughtful redevelopment, a new dining destination has emerged that feels anything but an afterthought. Residence, perched elegantly on the museum’s mezzanine level, commands attention with its sweeping views, heritage-modern aesthetic, and a culinary vision that pulses with creativity. This is not merely a restaurant adjacent to an institution; it is a high-level offering that stands as a destination in its own right, weaving art, education, and exceptional hospitality into a singular experience.
Founded by hospitality veterans Nathen Doyle and Cameron Earl, Residence is a testament to their decades of expertise and their ambition to create a space where ideas flourish. The restaurant, bathed in the soft glow of the museum’s reimagined foyer, balances the weight of its heritage setting with a contemporary edge. The artwork adorning the walls—stunning in its own right—complements the dining experience, inviting guests to linger in a moment of pause and presence. Whether you arrive before a museum tour, after an exhibition, or simply for a meticulously poured coffee, Residence delivers a sense of occasion.
At the helm of this inaugural chapter is Chef Robbie Noble, whose debut concept, Cherrywood, sets a bold tone for the restaurant’s innovative Chef in Residence model. Noble, with a pedigree that spans Melbourne’s Vue de Monde, the Michelin-starred Northcote in Lancashire, and Paris’ cult seafood bar Clamato, brings a refined yet unpretentious approach to seasonal dining. His menu is a celebration of flavor, executed with precision and a deep respect for ingredients. Each dish feels like a conversation between tradition and invention, grounded in technique but never overshadowed by it.
The meal begins with a nod to nostalgia: Mum’s roast chicken tea, a comforting yet sophisticated opener that sets the stage for what’s to come. Sourdough rolls, paired with velvety cultured cream, are a simple but flawless touch. The devilled eggs, enriched with smoked eel, strike a balance of indulgence and finesse, while soused sardines with cucumber and cultured cream offer a bright, oceanic zing. A standout is the smoked bone marrow, its richness tempered by oxtail marmalade and a sharp kick of horseradish—an unforgettable combination that lingers on the palate.
The progression continues with a main course of hanger of beef, ox tongue, and green peppercorn, a dish that showcases Noble’s ability to elevate humble ingredients into something extraordinary. The heirloom beetroot with sorrel and white soy is a vibrant counterpoint, its earthy sweetness cutting through the meat’s intensity. Bitter leaves, dressed with juniper and citrus, provide a crisp, refreshing balance. Each course is thoughtfully paired with curated pours, such as the NV J.M. Seleque Solessence Champagne, poured from a magnum, or the 2023 Daniel Bouland Morgon Corcelette Vieilles Vignes Cailloux, served from a generous jeroboam. The 2019 Syrahmi Angus Shiraz from Heathcote, Victoria, adds depth to the meal, its bold fruit and spice harmonizing with the robust flavors.
Dessert is no less compelling, with an 18-month comté and leek tarte tatin that reimagines the classic with savory brilliance. Paired with a glass of Cri de Coeur Savagnin Sous Voile from Mornington, it’s a fitting finale that leaves you sated yet longing for more. The wine list, carefully curated to complement Noble’s vision, elevates the experience without overwhelming it, ensuring that each sip enhances the plate before you.
What sets Residence apart is its commitment to evolution. Doyle and Earl’s Chef in Residence model ensures that each year, a new chef will take the reins, bringing their own vision to life with mentorship and a financial stake in the business. Noble’s Cherrywood is merely the beginning, a proof of concept that sets a high bar for what’s to come. His food is dining with soul—confident, precise, and deeply satisfying, yet free of the pretension that can plague fine dining.
Residence is more than a restaurant; it’s a space where art, food, and ideas converge. The views from the mezzanine, the seamless service, and the thoughtful integration with the Potter Museum create an experience that feels both timeless and forward-thinking. For those seeking a meal that transcends the ordinary, Residence is a must-visit. Book a table, savor the moment, and taste the future of Melbourne’s culinary scene. This is Parkville buzzing with life, and Residence is at its heart.