Arbory Bar and Eatery: A Revelation on the Yarra
Arbory Bar and Eatery is simply a revelation on the Yarra. Think smart affordable food. Think stunning river ambience with large long wooden deck. Think generous portions and excellent service. Arbory has it covered in every way - except for the weather, but they're bringing in extra awnings and heaters for the winter. Arbory even covers all with a breakfast menu, all day menu and after dark menu. We're told some punters are visiting several times a day. The World Loves Melbourne was invited to check out the menu and experience which is Arbory Bar and Eatery.
Initial impressions were that we had landed in a new city. We are well familiar with the bustling other side of the Yarra River. But the design of Arbory, slighly raised from the river, gave us a new perspective of our city. The ambience is simply stunning. A new city indeed, when we consider that none other than Metro is a partner in this project. (But you can't pay for dishes with your Myki card).
Surely this is the hottest new opening in Melbourne right now. Punters agree with a lazy 200 customers for service during a week day lunchtime, peaking around 500 on a Friday after work. It's not uncommon to see lines queuing to get in. This is brilliant design transforming the disused Sandridge Line at Flinders St Station. Shipping containers glow and music can be heard at reasonable decibels.
Kudos to Executive Chef Nick Bennett (ex Cecconi's) on "getting it right" along with Young Chef of the Year 2012 Michael Fox. An example of the little touches done well, is the pea and herb arancini with goats curd pictured below. For $9 I would normally expect say a couple of arancini, but Arbory gives you 4 excellent arancini with modern flavours. And the presentation is first class with garnish. Perfect arancini, crisp on the outside and creamy goodness inside.
Arancini and craft beer were a great start as we imbibed the view across the Yarra...
The Mushroom and Cheese croquettes were only $3 each and hit the spot for rustic reward.
The pinnacle was the Charcuterie Board with pickles and bread. This was the perfect dish for meeting with friends and soaking in the atmosphere. Seriously, we couldn't eat it all. We were pleasantly delighted by the volume and variety of quality produce on the board. The toasted bread was perfect to add the meats and other produce. Under the meats in the photo above lurked a compelling pate and a wonderful terrine.
Another delightful dish on trend with healthier eating, is the Buffalo Mozzarella with fried artichoke, green sauce, raisins and almonds. We loved the balance of flavours and textures of this dish. The buffallo mozarella and artichoke were equal heroes on the plate. Presentation of this dish is superb.
Amazing ambience with Arbory stretching 150 metres along the Yarra...
Burgers are a strong point at Arbory, with the Double Cheeseburger already attracting acclaim for its Large brioche bun, double quality meat patty and cheese, bacon, pickles, tomato relish and crinkle cut chips. Just how we like it. The fact that the chips come with the burger is a bonus.
We were already satiated beyond measure, when the Rare roasted salmon with fennel, orange and hazelnuts appeared to our delight. Again, this is on trend healthier eating with perfectly cooked salmon and gorgeous orange flavours. Presentation was again first class.
Our visit to Arbory Bar and Eatery is a revelation. A talking point in Melbourne among foodies, Arbory is impressive across the board. Attention to detail is present in a lage volume venue. The months of planning have all been worth it and we expect to visit Arbory on many occasions. Highly recommended.
