Gimlet

Set in a heritage-listed 1920s building in Melbourne’s CBD, this polished dining room follows the mould of classic European brasseries. Velvet banquettes, dark timber and polished glassware define the space, while the tone strikes a balance between formality and comfort.

The menu is built around wood-fired seafood, grilled meats and handmade pasta, with a focus on precise technique and top-grade produce. Southern rock lobster roasted in the hearth with garlic butter and lemon captures the kitchen’s restrained but confident style.

An international wine list pairs prestige bottles with thoughtful smaller producers, and the namesake Gimlet — sharpened with house-made lime cordial — is a fixture at the bar. We’d save room for a late-night cocktail beneath the chandeliers.