Dolly

Descend the art deco staircase at 20 Bourke St to discover Dolly, a moody 1930’s backdrop evoking the glamour and mystique of the backstage. Serving up cinematic cocktails, premium wines, and a nostalgic European-inspired menu with a Melbourne twist, Dolly is named after the dolly zoom camera technique, pioneered during Hitchcock’s 1958 masterpiece ‘Vertigo’. The restaurant name pays homage to iconic storytelling and the site’s long history – originally as a hotel, through to theatre, cinema, live music venue, and entertainment playground.

Nestled in the basement of the new Le Méridien Melbourne, the lush 90 seat venue, features rich timber panelling, distressed mirror finishes, soft mulberry-hued banquette seating, and luxuriant deep red carpet.

Helmed by Executive Chef, Christian Graebner, each dish draws from classic European cuisine whilst showcasing, seasonal local produce. Growing up in a small epicurean town in northern Bavaria, Graebner’s focus on wild, hyper seasonal ingredients translates to dishes that are both familiar, yet unexpected, with each plate a perfect vignette.

Think freshly shucked Oysters served with Champagne Sorbet, Poached Lobster Tail with fried Brioche, King George Whiting En Papillote and Bombe Alaska torched at the table filled with salted-caramel popcorn ice cream.

An indulgent and romantic dining experience, meals pair well with premium champagne and an extensive wine list celebrating Melbourne’s 'dress circle' of vineyards that surround the city, curated by fine-wine importer Cellarhand. Selections include, for example, one of Yarra Valley’s premium wineries Yeringberg (a personal favourite of ours) as well as wines from Chalmers (Heathcote) and Shadowfax (Macedon Ranges).

At the showpiece central servery bar, wrapped in fluted chrome, a list of Artful Cocktails are inspired by iconic artists that once graced the stage and screen at 20 Bourke St. In collaboration with The Everleigh Bottling Co., the signature cocktails and the characters they draw inspiration from, span centuries of theatre, art and music.

With its ‘top of the town’ location, Dolly is ideally positioned for guests to enjoy a prompt prixe fixe pre-theatre menu ($120 for two people), after-work cocktails, or to settle into a booth to toast a special occasion and enjoy welcoming intuitive service, where you can get lost in the night.

Location: 20 Bourke St, Melbourne

Phone: 03 9123 3960

Link: www.dollymelbourne.com