Melbourne's fine dining scene just got a serious upgrade. La Madonna, the French-Italian restaurant perched on level three of Next Hotel Melbourne in the CBD, has launched Caviar After Dark - a five-course degustation dedicated entirely to premium caviar. Running until 31 July 2026, this limited-time experience is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting restaurant events in Melbourne this year. We were invited to a launch event to experience this luxe offering ourselves and it didn't disappoint.
At a Glance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Best For: Special occasions, anniversary dinners, serious foodies, anyone wanting to experience Melbourne dining at its peak right now
Price: $$$$ - $220pp for the degustation, optional wine pairing $110pp
Verdict: A genuinely rare experience for Melbourne - an entire degustation built around world-class caviar, executed by a Michelin-trained chef in a setting that feels luxurious without being intimidating. Don't miss the Spaghetti au Caviar or the extraordinary Negroni caviar dessert. Book before it sells out.
What Is Caviar After Dark?
Caviar After Dark is Melbourne's only degustation menu with premium caviar at the heart of every single course. Crafted by Michelin-trained executive chef Jacopo Degli Esposti, the menu is an elegant yet approachable exploration of French-Italian cuisine elevated by some of the world's finest caviar - Anna Dutch Caviar, sustainably produced, unpasteurised, and delicately salted to between 2.8 and 4 per cent.
The experience is priced at $220 per person, with an optional wine pairing for $110 per person. It's available Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30pm to 9:30pm, from 12 May through 31 July 2026.
The Five-Course Menu
Each dish showcases the distinct flavour profiles of Anna Dutch's caviar range - from the bold, classic intensity of Baerii caviar to the smoother, more refined notes of Oscietra caviar. Honestly it was hard to choose the dish of the night as the standard was high throughout.
Amuse-Bouche: Oyster Raviolo with Leek Velouté and Baerii Caviar
The meal opens with a single, exquisite bite - an oyster raviolo nestled in silky leek velouté, crowned with Baerii caviar. Refined, precise, and a little luxurious. It sets the tone for everything that follows. Eat it straight away while its warm!
Tuna, Basil, Caviar
Australian bluefin tuna tartare arrives brightened with a vibrant basil coulis and finished with Anna Dutch Oscietra caviar. A dish that balances freshness and indulgence with real skill. The hit of high-class tuna is satisfying but when paired with world-class caviar, it's a revelation. In terms of presentation this was pure art, including adorned with touches of gold.
Spaghetti au Caviar - The Star of the Show
The signature dish and the one everyone will be talking about. Gragnano IGP spaghetti - Italy's most celebrated pasta - is finished generously with Anna Dutch Baerii caviar and lemon butter. Simple in concept, extraordinary in execution. Chef Degli Esposti has confirmed this dish is here to stay on the La Madonna menu long after Caviar After Dark concludes. A serious showstopper in the city of Melbourne, it's luxury in a dish. It's not just about taste but also the silky texture.
Marron, Celeriac, Caviar
Western Australian marron - one of the world's great freshwater crustaceans - is paired with a champagne sauce and Anna Dutch Oscietra caviar. The course that really showcases the quality of local produce alongside world-class caviar. Another showstopper dish, this is fine dining at its best.
Oyster Shell and Negroni Caviar - The Dessert
La Madonna's most creative course saves the best surprise for last. Caviar spherified from the restaurant's own barrel-aged Negroni is presented in an oyster shell for a dessert that is genuinely unlike anything else being served in Melbourne right now. For some at the table this was their favourite dish.
About Anna Dutch Caviar
The caviar sourced for this menu isn't an afterthought - it's the centrepiece. Anna Dutch Caviar is regarded as one of the finest producers in the world, with sustainably farmed, unpasteurised caviar made exclusively from sturgeon. As any caviar expert will tell you (including from Calendar Cheese the importers): if it's not from sturgeon, it's not caviar.
The menu was developed in collaboration with caviar expert Glenn De Leonardo, whose knowledge of provenance, traceability and flavour shaped the selection throughout. The production process follows a head-to-tail sustainability philosophy, which aligns with La Madonna's broader approach to responsible sourcing.
The Setting: La Madonna at Next Hotel Melbourne
La Madonna is an intimate, modern French-Italian restaurant and bar that manages to feel both polished and genuinely welcoming. Located on Level 3, 103 Little Collins Street, the room is elegant without being stiff, making Caviar After Dark feel like a genuine celebration rather than a formal ordeal. The ambience of La Madonna is the perfect backdrop for a luxe degustation such as this.
Caviar After Dark: The Details
- Restaurant: La Madonna, Level 3, Next Hotel Melbourne
- Address: 103 Little Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
- Dates: 12 May – 31 July 2026
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 5:30pm – 9:30pm
- Price: $220 per person | Wine pairing $110 per person
- Bookings: lamadonna.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caviar After Dark at La Madonna?
Caviar After Dark is a limited-time five-course degustation menu at La Madonna restaurant in Melbourne's CBD, running from 12 May to 31 July 2026. Every course features premium Anna Dutch Caviar, created by Michelin-trained executive chef Jacopo Degli Esposti.
How much does Caviar After Dark cost?
The degustation is $220 per person. An optional wine pairing is available for an additional $110 per person.
Where is La Madonna restaurant in Melbourne?
La Madonna is located on Level 3 of Next Hotel Melbourne, at 103 Little Collins Street in the CBD. Parliament Station is a short 627-metre walk away.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — given this is a limited-run, intimate experience, booking in advance is strongly recommended. Reservations can be made at lamadonna.com.au.
What type of caviar is used in the degustation?
The menu exclusively features Anna Dutch Caviar — sustainably produced, unpasteurised sturgeon caviar regarded as among the finest in the world. Two varieties are used throughout the menu: Baerii caviar, known for its bold classic flavour, and Oscietra caviar, which offers a smoother, more refined profile.
Is Caviar After Dark suitable for a special occasion?
Absolutely. The experience is ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, or any occasion worth celebrating. Despite its luxury credentials, La Madonna's atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed rather than formal or stuffy.
How long is the degustation?
As a five-course set menu in a restaurant setting, you should allow approximately two to two and a half hours for the full experience.