Kate’s BIG list of eateries that are still open for (take-away) business!
Well, it’s still a fluid situation – for the moment hospitality businesses have a chance to adapt and try to continue giving the rest of us the benefit of their tasty expertise, but it’s definitely getting tougher.
I started a list over a month ago of some of the places that trying to change what they do in order to adhere to the rapidly changing (but necessary) health restrictions, and still stay afloat.
Let’s keep it going – the hospitality industry cannot work from home. If we want to enjoy our favourite producer, café, bar, restaurant when this is all over, they’ll need our support now.
Again, this is just a taste of some of the offers around, the easiest thing to do is check their website or social media for more details, but I’ll supply a bit of info on what they are offering up. And don’t forget, if you want to support your local eatery, give them a call and simply ask what they are doing!
Happy eating #savehospo
IN MELBOURNE’S CBD
Lee Ho Fook, City – That funky city Chinese eatery Lee Ho Fook is cooking for you three nights a week. You’ll need to order by 4pm on the day you want to eat, or you risk missing out. They’ll deliver to within 5km of the venue or you can pick up. You can order a feast for two, or order a la carte dishes like stir-fried egg noodles with garlic chives, superior soy and char sui pork, or pan-fried ocean trout, sichuan chilli bean sauce, green peppers and garlic stems. leehofook.com.au/shop
Coda/Tonka, City – Adam D’Sylva’s much-loved city eateries Coda & Tonka are now available for you to enjoy at home. You can pick up in the city, or home deliveries are available, there are plenty of takeaway options but you’ll also find them in some gourmet food stores like Boccacio Cellars. Check the respective websites for menus – tonkarestaurant.com.au / codarestaurant.com.au
Kisume, City – City Japanese fine-diner Kisume has re-opened its sushi bar to offer takeaway, delicately prepared by its highly skilled sushi masterspre-order things like a Tuna Feature Box; Salmon Feature Box; Maki Feature Box as well as a premium sushi and sashimi; ranging from $38 to $88. It’s available for pick-up from the venue between 5pm and 7pm each day. instagram.com/kisume_au
Bar Lourinha, City – Well, these guys are still doing what they can. No longer opening daily for pick up, and are cooking two days a week and delivering their phenomenal food to inner Melbourne for you to cook at home. Check their Instagram account for the full menu, Burnso and I have already ordered an inordinate amount of Chorizo croquetas! instagram.com/bar_lourinha
Gingerboy, City – Reports of its death were greatly exaggerated. The word was Teague Ezard’s iconic Gingerboy had closed, but evidence suggests the contract. The popular pan-Asian city eatery is cooking up faves like Sher Wagyu and garlic chive dumplings; Chicken Tikka Masala; or Thai red duck leg curry – take away or delivered. instagram.com/gingerboymelb
Pretzel, South Yarra and city – At 23, Perth native Brittany Garbutt created Pretzel, opening her first ‘pretty in pink’ store over there n Northbridge. Fast forward three years, and she now has two opened in Melbourne (CBD and South Yarra) and was about to cut the ribbon on a third at Westfield Doncaster. Well, they’re all still there, and at this stage you can still grab them to takeaway, but you can also get them delivered in their gorgeous Grand Budapest Hotel-esque takeaway boxes via Uber Eats and Deliveroo.
RuYi, City – It’s no secret that this place is a favourite both Scorchy and I, a modern Chinese restaurant whose owners live and breathe the very term “hospitality”. They also make damn good food, and particularly good dumplings. Hand-made with quality ingredients, you’ll also get a dipping sauce AND a video showing you how to cook them like a pro! Choose from chilli wonton; pork and chive; Xiao Long Bao; and vegetarian dumpling. facebook.com/ruyimelbourne/
Becco, City – Well, apparently if you’re a Becco regular, you’ll remember that what is now the private dining room at this city laneway favourite, was once a deli & produce store – well, it’s coming back! They’ll be stocked up with fresh made pastas, stocks, sauces and ready-made meals from the kitchen, plus produce, bread, wine and meat from their suppliers. instagram.com/beccorestaurant
Mrs Singh & Daughter In Law, City – Jessi Singh returned to Melbourne and his beloved Horn Please, then opened two of this city’s most vibrant Indian restaurants – Daughter In Law, and Mrs Singh, both in the city. These guys are offering an array of takeaway and home delivered specials, you’ll need to follow them on social media to keep up – but at Mrs Singh they include a bargain isolation pack, which boasts a bottle of red wine (or six pack of Kingfisher beer), butter chicken, dahl, rice and naan for $50.
Annam/Pho Nom, City – if you missed joining us for the 3AW Chopstick Challenge at Bia Hoi, you will have missed trying Jerry Mai’s fabulous Vietnamese food. But, now you can take it home for your very own enjoyment from her city eateries Annam and Pho Nom. Annam boasts a range of brilliant take home meals for $18, including Mekong Beef Curry, and Spicy Duck Fried Rice. You can take home and eat straight away, or freeze for another night. instagram.com/annam_melbourne or instagram.com/phonomau
Wonderpies, City – some of the best pies I’ve tasted – seriously. Renowned chef Raymond Capaldi doesn’t do things by half, and it’s not just pies. Yes – there are pies, like tradiational five hour cooked beef steak or country chicken and garden vegetable in family or individual size; but you can also get your hands on lasagne, bread and butter pudding, eggplant parmagiana and more! instagram.com/wonderpiesmelb
Also check out:
Punch Lane, CBD
IN THE NORTH
Superling, Carlton – this fun eatery run by The Lincoln’s Iain Ling is now on Uber Eats, Deliverro and Easi – with special deals for first time orders. Who could resist soy-braised pork belly with mustard greens; Mapo pork on handmade noodles; or their specialty, the Mapo Tofu jaffle!? instagram.com/superlingcarlton
Benjamin’s Kitchen, Alphington – I adored this Thai eatery when I reviewed it a few year’s ago now, and the food looks just as good now. These guys are doing awesome pickup-packs for two each night priced at $38, which they’ll deliver straight to your car. Combos change each night but have included San Choi Bao, teriyaki chicken, coconut tiger prawn, roti and rice; or Curry puff, Mongolian Beef, Crispy golden chicken ribs, roti and rice – what a feast! instagram.com/benjaminskitchen
Bossa Nova, Carlton – this fun Brazilian café if offering up their Latin-flavoured comfort food for pickup, via Uber Eats, and home deliver from them. On the menu could be Lamb stew with pumpkin puree, slow-cooked pork leg with herb creamy polenta and tomato and basil sauce, or “salt-cured meat” with cassava and potato puree, grated parmesan and mozzarella. instagram.com/bossanova_cafe
Builders Arms Hotel, Fitzroy – much-loved pub the Builders Arms is doing takeaway food and booze. The food is a concise list of some of their favourites like Scotch egg, or the Builders Arms cheeseburgers, tbut their entire wine list is now available to take home, it’s a big one! instagram.com/buildersarmshotel.
Empress Hotel, Fitzroy North – The much-loved Empress Hotel could have laid down when the Government closed all pubs, but they have a fabulous kitchen, and fabulous food so no reason why they shouldn’t share it. They’ve launched a takeaway/local delivery service, see the menu here: ordermate.online/theempress/menu.
Horn Please, Fitzroy North – Jessi Singh returned to Melbourne and his beloved Horn Please, then opened two of this city’s most vibrant Indian restaurants – Daughter In Law, and Mrs Singh, both in the city. These guys are offering an array of takeaway and home delivered specials, you’ll need to follow them on social media to keep up – but at Mrs Singh they include a bargain isolation pack, which boasts a bottle of red wine (or six pack of Kingfisher beer), butter chicken, dahl, rice and naan for $50.
Epocha, Carlton – Angie Giannakodakis is one of the tougher, and fun, hospitality professionals I’ve met, so it’s no surprise that Epocha is working their way through this crisis. They’ve launched a takeaway menu (oh man – choripan with chimichurri or Spanish seafood paella), they’ll deliver within a kilometre, but they’re also encouraging people to take it forward – buy a meal for a friend in need. Check out the menu on their instagram page, prepare to drool (and check out their sister restaurant, Elyros, in Camberwell ) – instagram.com/epochacarlton
Pasta Classica, Collingwood – this family run business is doing what they do best, just more of it. With a usually strong wholesale business, and no major events to supply, they’ll have bulk frozen pasta boxes, bulk Napoli and bolognese sauces; meat and veg lasagnas in family size and single servings, and are happy to deliver to those who physically cannot get out. pastaclassica.com.au
Wonderpies, Collingwood – some of the best pies I’ve tasted – seriously. Renowned chef Raymond Capaldi doesn’t do things by half, and it’s not just pies. Yes – there are pies, like tradiational five hour cooked beef steak or country chicken and garden vegetable in family or individual size; but you can also get your hands on lasagne, bread and butter pudding, eggplant parmagiana and more! instagram.com/wonderpiesmelb
Also check out:
Bar Liberty, Fitzroy
IN THE WEST
Aangan, West Footscray; Derrimut; Clayton; Cranbourne – I’m putting this in the West section, because I was first introduced to Aangan by their original West Footscray restaurant. Well, the dining section and popular courtyard are closed, but these guys are still pumping out brilliant Indian food for takeaway and delivery (plus sharing some of their favourite recipes on social media). They’ve got free home delivery from West Footscray for any order of $30 or more, and have been offering a free meal for seniors from 5pm until 6.30pm each day at all locations – how wonderful! instagram.com/aangan_melbourne
Navi, Yarraville – this 26 seater fine-dining restaurant in the inner west has basically been booked out since chef Julian Hills opened it. Well, believe it or not, now Navi can come to you. Last week, I ordered a Navi-At-Home meal, which consister of three fabulous courses for two people and the extremely reasonable price of $70. We had their signature black garlic and salmon roe macaron to start; a main of dry-aged duck three ways, with salardaise potato and fresh salad; and a gorgeous dessert of lemon mousse, walnut sponge and salted almost caramel. It’s only available Wednesday to Saturday, pick up from the restaurant or local delivery, and this week you’ll get to try some gorgeous saltbush lamb. instagram.com/restaurantnavi
Porters, Williamstown – These guys have really ramped it up. As well as launching a full takeaway menu, they’re offering chef-prepared, cook-at-home options. These meals have been cooked and cryovaced, and can be simply heated and served in under ten minutes. Think seafood parpadelle with prawns, squid, barramundi, mussels and seafood emulsion; or stuffed chicken breast with sundried tomato, brie, basil pesto and ratatouille. instagram.com/porters3016.
Copper Pot, Seddon – One of my absolute favourites in the west, Ashley Davies and crew have not given up on local fans. They have launched a fab takeaway menu, that includes starters like padron peppers with aioli and saltbush; and heartier dishes like fresh fettucini carbonara with smoked bacon, egg and parmesan; or Tagliatelle Wagyu beef bolognaise. Plus they have extremely well priced local and European wines, craft beers, and pasta night specials on Wednesdays! Yummo!
Victoria Hotel, Footscray – this Footscray favourite has put on a takeaway menu and rather than use packaging they’ll let you take their plates home – if you promise to bring them back! See their Facebook on Insta for menu details – instagram.com/victoriahotelkew
IN THE EAST
O.MY Restaurant and Bar, Beaconsfield – it’s south-east, but you know what I mean. These guys have launched O.My-to-go and farm boxes for looking after yourself. Farm boxes include fresh produce, pantry items including beauties like green garlic oil and pickled zucchinis, and a loaf of freshly-bakes sourdough. instagram.com/omyrestaurant
The Public Brewery, Croydon – this grouse beer barn in the East still has plenty of beer for sale, but also a great value takeaway foo dmenu. You can pizzas for $15 each (or three for $40) and a range of hearty mains alos for just $15. Plus, they’re offering free delivery to the local area. instagram.com/thepublicbrewery
Shanika’s, Berwick – Shanika’s is a Berwick institution (and now in Pakenham and Carrum Downs too), so they won’t be going anywhere without a fight. As well a their great takeaway eats seven days a week from 12pm until 8.30pm, they’re launching delivery, and now they’re making some staples like olive oil, Napoli sauce and jasmine rice available for purchase. instagram.com/shanikasberwick
Aunty Franklee, Hawthorn – local fave Aunty Franklee are still dishing up their delectable Malaysian for pick up, delivery via the usual suspects, but also free delivery within 5km for miminum orders of $80. Plus, they’ve put together frozen meal kids and preparation guides so you can do it all yourself – the Grilled Bakars Beef Ribs look worth a try, and are great value at $20 to feed two people. instagram.com/auntyfranklee
Piccino, Surrey Hills – It was only a few weeks ago that I reviewed Piccino with Quarters, and this place was built for takeaway service. They’re open from 8am until 2pm Tuesday to Sunday and have an updated online menu for takeaway or delivery. You can try that fabulous eggplant parmagiana I devoured, some classic spaghetti carbonara, their jaffle of the week and plenty more! piccino.melbourne
Maria Café, Upwey – this uber-popular addition to the hills brunch scene now has its full menu available for takeaway, plus some added grab-and-go options to boot. So go all-out on pina colada tacos; Croquettes benedict; a trio of tamales; or just grab a burrito for the road. instagram.com/maria.melbourne
The Cookie Box, Windsor – Poor Gabriela and Rodrigo only launched The Cookie Box in Melbourne in February, they say they were first artisan chunky cookie shop. All I know is, I tasted their wares, and they were unbelievably, dangerously good. Clearly, the current situation was not in their business plan. They are desperately trying to keep their business afloat, and their staff in jobs, and so the cookies are coming to you. Their staff are doing alld the deliveries and will keep the delivery fees as well as a percentage of each sale. Did I mention these are ridiculously good cookies?!?! instagram.com/thecookieboxaustralia
Mister Bianco, Kew – Joe Vargetto is one of the busiest men in Melbourne, after launching The Italian Job Home Delivery with cook at home pasta and sauces, he’s come up with ‘We Cook For You’ Set Boxes for two, and they sound fab. The set boxes will change each week, cost just $65 for three courses and he’ll chuck in a bottle of red or white wine for $25. Expect an antipasto spread to start that might include locally foraged mushroom arancini & Sher Wagyu meatballs in tomato sugo; a main of slow-cooked Western Plains pork porchetta or or Pasta Siciliana ‘al forno’; and dessert might be Peach schnapps panna cotta. Check this week’s menu at: hungryhungry.com/italianjob / misterbianco.com.au
Thirty Eight Chairs, South Yarra – It was former Mafioso Michael Franzese who told us this South Yarra restaurant boasted the best Italian food outside of New York. Well, they also now have some of the best value takeaway meals. They’re doing two courses for $30 pick up. Think the classic eggplant parmagiana or caprese salad to start; and maybe their slow-cooked beef and veal ragu fettucine for main. instagram.com/38chairs
Centonove, Kew – Time to check in on Ross’ favourite, Centonove in Kew. Jesse and his team have a stunning list of some of their classic Italian dishes available for takeaway – including the signature Spaghettini with crab, chilli, garlic and tomato. instagram.com/centonove
Bia Hoi, Glen Waverley – And the venue we took over is offering a great $15 take home menu – including grilled chicken with rice, and egg noodles with seafood. www.instagram.com/biahoibar
Wonderpies, Bulleen – some of the best pies I’ve tasted – seriously. Renowned chef Raymond Capaldi doesn’t do things by half, and it’s not just pies. Yes – there are pies, like tradiational five hour cooked beef steak or country chicken and garden vegetable in family or individual size; but you can also get your hands on lasagne, bread and butter pudding, eggplant parmagiana and more! instagram.com/wonderpiesmelb
IN THE SOUTH
Yagiz, South Yarra – We can all still make an effort, takeaway doesn’t have to be boring. South Yarra mainstay Yagiz is back, and they’re not doing things by halves – head chef Murat Ovaz has come up with three set menu options — Paddock, Sea and Garden — each including Yagiz’s famous Baklava. Order via the website from Tues to Sat for pickup between 5pm – 8pm, the Paddock option features slow braised lamb shoulder ; the Sea menu stars steamed market fish, and Garden roasted cauliflower with Muhammara among other dishes. www.yagiz.com.
Neptune, Windsor – Windsor local Neptune, is now a fully fledged provisions and liquor store – Neptune Provisions & Liquor. Recreate your favourite drinking and dining experience at home by with takeaway (mmmm nduja jaffles!) or cook-at-home options (mmm, meatballs!). Plus, there’s an extensive list of wines, spirits and ready made bottled cocktails. instagram.com/@
Curly Whiskers, Brighton – This popular local French bistro has you covered for Franco take-home treats – think chicken liver pate, classic French onion soup, Beef Bouruignon, Coq au Vin, and an Apple Tarte Tartin to finish! curlywhiskers.com.au/take-home-menu
Bellota, South Melbourne – Fabulous bistro and wine bar Bellota and sister-establishment Prince Wine Store have set up a providore, with plenty of produce that you can pop in and grab or order online. And of course, head chef Nicky Reimer is doing plenty of fabulous dishes for takeaway and delivery – this week included Beef flank steak salad with pistachios, couscous, roast peppers, raisin relish and pickled red onion. princewinestore.com.au
Baia di Vino, Sandringham – these guys have launched “Take me Home”, every night from 5pm your chance to grab simple, comfort food designed for the whole family – and it’s available pick up, drive up or with local delivery. Standouts include Parpadelle with duck and porcini ragu, Prawn risotto with crustacean bisque, and housemade veal tortellini – yum! instagram.com/baiadivino
The Left-Handed Chef, South Melbourne – this charming little café is a cracker, dishing up traditional Israeli cuisines in vibrant and generous portions. Chef and owner Ehud Malka has stepped up to the challenge, and is offering pick up dishes or delivery with Ubereats, Menulog and Doordash for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Monday. His hummus plates are legendary and schwarma are to die for! instagram.com/thelefthandedchef
Cote Terra, Oakleigh – this Breakfast & Brunch spot is not only making their full menu available takeaway, but will delivery anywhere within 5km for just one dollar! Their Rueben sandwich looks worth the guilt! instagram.com/cote_terra
Sun Kitchen, Albert Park – It launched to much fanfare, and now, one of Melbourne’s most salubrious Chinese restaurants, Sun Kitchen, has joined Uber Eats, Easi and Deliveroo to give you a chance to try their brilliant regional Chinese cuisine. I’d jump at the Stir-fried fish fillet with XO sauce or the Kung Pao Chicken with Peanut. Delivery is available between 11.30am and 9.30pm each day, search for them on one of those apps. sun-kitchen.com
Miss Ruben, Ripponlea – Ross and I ate our hearts out when we filmed A Moveable Feast at Miss Ruben. They were already doing a roaring trade in takeaway and take-home meals, now they’ve just ramped up a notch. Take home the signature Reuben sandwich; onion & goats curd tart; cured salmon bagel; matzah ball soup; and more – gotta stop, I’m starving! instagram.com/missrubenripponlea
Attica, Ripponlea – No, you are not seeing things. Even Attica is doing things differently. They’ll be taking onling orders for Attica Classics like “potato cooked in the earth” and “Spice-crusted lamb”, Ben Shewry will be doing a family meal of lasagne, salad and pull-apart garlic bread, and on Tuesday 24th Mark they’ll be holding an “Attica Bake Shop” next door to the restaurant – including their famous vegemite scrolls! instagram.com/atticamelbourne
GEELONG REGION
Alma, Geelong – This Latin American eatery that I adore is looking after you with take home boxes that come with your choice of side. Choose from Ravens Creek Pork Belly, free-range chicken, a 300g steak, or Roasted Sweet Potato. The sides? Mmmmmm, how about seasonal greens with cactus and pepitas, salt-baked carrots with honey, chipotle & wild rice, or crispy potatoes with garlic & parsley. instagram.com/alma_geelong
360Q Queenscliff – offering 14-day isolation packs of evening meals, as well as heat-and-eat single serves that can be collected from the Queenscliff Harbour restaurant.
Mr Grubb @ Oakdene – take away and delivery for the Ocean Grove area
Archive Wine Bar – pick up wine and deli goods from 3-6pm Wed to Sat, otherwise they[re delivering fabulous “survive in style” packs. Check their socials for more info
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Jetty Road Brewery, Dromana – Well, you shouldn’t run out of beer on the Mornington Peninsula, local faves Jetty Road Brewery are now doing same day delivery from Portsea to Frankston. Try their classic core range, thrown caution to wine and splash out on their speciality beers the Pineapple Fritter or Blueberry Gose. More details: jettyroad.com.au
Pier Street Kitchen, Dromana – If you’re social distancing down on the Mornington Peninsula, Pier Street Kitchen has you covered! This all day eatery has a heap of options for you to enjoy at home, including gorgeous sounding lasagne, moussaka or tagine for lunch or dinner – grab it hot or cold. instagram.com/pierstreetkitchen.
YARRA RANGES
Rochford, Coldstream – In the Yarra Valley, the team at Rochford have made the extraordinary decision to convert their winery space into a grocer. In just a week, the two restaurants and cellar door have become a fully functioning grocer, food and wine delivery and takeaway hub. You can now purchase fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, cheese, deli items, freshly baked bread, pasta, rice, specialty items, toilet paper, sanitiser and of course, wine! Plus, 400 Gradi Yarra Valley is on site, and they’re serving up freshly cooked pizza, pasta, and more for pickup or local delivery. rochford.com.au
Also check out:
Seville Estate, Seville
ONLINE
Movida – Yes, Melbourne icon Movida is currently closed, but Frank Camorra and his team are still cooking and packing up a storm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday offering you a box full of ready to eat provisions inspired by what his abuela would cook. Designed to cover breakfast, lunch and dinner for two, it certainly looks like you’d struggle to get through it all. This week – an olive picker’s breakfast full of goodies; lunch including Sher Wagyu beef skewers, braised Silverbeet with Spiced Chickpeas; and a pumpkin and cheese pie; and dinner of Pollo Agridulce; pork in cider; chorizo lasagana; and Roast Cauliflower salad. Check out: shop.alimentaria.com.
Alligator Pasta – Usually delivering to Melbourne’s top restaurants, Alligator Pasta is now selling direct to the public, so it’s our lucky day! Their pasta is made from Australian durum wheat semolina, free range whole eggs and the freshest ingredients, you’ll find it on the menu at restaurants like Carlton Wine Room and Bar Carolina. They’re making pasta daily, so just place your order prior to 2pm the day before and it will be delivered to your door in an insulated box via a chilled courier. alligatorbrand.com.au
Wine Yarra Valley – Well, we discussed last week that plenty of us are missing visiting our favourite wineries, so Wine Yarra Valley is bringing the experience to you with Virtual Cellar Door tours held every Thursday for the foreseeable future. This week, it was a virtual visit to Chandon with Senior Winemaker, Dan Buckle; and in coming weeks you can virtually visit some of the region’s best vineyards such as Oakridge, Rob Dolan and Mac Forbes. Plus, you can choose from two different mixed six packs on the Wine Yarra Valley website or customer build your own selection of Yarra Valley wines at discounted prices. Tune into Virtual Cellar Door Tours each Thursday from 5pm at instagram.com/
Innocent Bystander, Healesville – out in the Yarra Valley, popular cellar door Innocent Bystander is offering takeaway food and wine for locals, but also something a bit exciting for the rest of us across Melbourne. They’re doing a series of Live Tasting Sessions via their Facebook page to be hosted by their own sommelier, Margaret. You can jump online to which variety is coming up, order online for 20% off AND free shipping, and log in that Friday at 5pm be be part of the fun! Upcoming sessions include Talking Tempranillo, Sipping Syrah and Gabbin bout’ Gamay. innocentbystander.com.au
Goldelucks Donuts, online – Famous for their donuts, these guys have also launched Goldeluck’s Bakeshops, and they are baking up The Survival Pack – care packs to suit different sized families that contain all the necessities you could need. Think bread; pies; pasties; sausage rolls; quiches; freezable baked goods like danishes, pizza rolles, scrolls and croissants; and long life milk. See the full range, and their donuts, at goldelucks.com.au
14 Days of Cheese, online – What used to be a business called 12 Days of Cheese, has clearly had to adapt their name given the current mandated isolation period. These guys run a café at AFL House and some food and cheese festival, all have suffered with the current crisis. But what they can do is stock you up with fabulous cheese. Head to their website to see what’s on offer, but basically place your order and they’ll (contactlessly) deliver a fabulous pack of artisanal cheeses (some even come with wine). Place orders before 2pm for next day delivery in all Melb Metro areas. 14daysofcheese.com.au
The list will grow, and I’ll try to keep up, but for some other options head onto social media and check out some of the options your favourite restaurants have come up with, these are some brilliant restaurants with tremendous chefs and staff, and places I’d hate to see this city lose!