In Short: Edwin Wine Bar and Cellar is a tribute to the wonderfully eclectic and beautiful diversity that is Victoria in Australia. From the cocktails, to the exhaustive wine list, and the unique approach to its food, come and indulge in a uniquely Victorian experience in a sophisticated, enticing space.
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We’re always spoilt by the restaurant recommendations from our friends at Australian Good Food Guide, and the newly opened Edwin Wine Bar and Cellar, is another great addition to our specially curated list of places to visit when in Melbourne.
There is something very special about a place that pays homage to all things local, and Edwin is quintessentially Victorian – beautifully playing off its diversity with a range of all things wine and food.
As I opened the leather bound menu to devour its contents, I was impressed by the wonderful nod to all the wines that were produced, made, or crafted with women at the helm. And, in the expert hands of female Sommelier Yu Kurosawa, we knew it was going to be a wonderful night ahead.
I am thoroughly loving the influence the foodie scene is having on the experimentation happening both in the kitchen and behind the bar. So as we explored the enticingly dark space, Yu had already made sure we started the night with cocktails. The Jonathan, named after the luxury developer of this establishment, is the perfect start with Nosferatu Blood Orange Gin, Marionette curacao, and StrangeLove blood orange & chilli, which just bursts in your mouth with freshness and ends with a little kick of heat.
The bar’s take on the classic Aviation, the all-Victorian Edwin’s Aviation is a blend of Loch weaver and Anther cherry gin combined with lemon juice and served up icy cold. This is definitely going to be a Spring and Summer hit.
The banquette leather seating has us perfectly placed to enjoy the Victorian food exploration ahead. The savoury eclair with liver pate, pickle and crushed hazelnut is like nothing I’ve ever had before. A traditional eclair casing is piped with creamy smooth liver pate, poured over with pork jus, and dusted in crumbed hazelnuts.
I know I have Italian in my blood, when I can be easily satisfied with burrata on the menu. Edwin’s version is beautiful; burrata that bursts with creaminess and is complemented with sweet agrodolce (sweet & sour) peppers and dusted in crumbed black olive.
Edwin’s has you absolutely covered when it comes to wine, and with their full cellar opening shortly, you can rest assured it’s going to be quite the experience. On this night, Yu has hand-picked our whites and reds from the list of carefully curated wines from over 21 different regions of wine in Victoria. We could be here all night telling the stories of wines…but we’ll let you go and experience it yourself!
For now, we’ll head back to the food. Doubling down on the Italian influence, the braised lamb arancini are not to be ignored! Impossibly tender and aromatic lamb is encased with gremolata, and dusted in shaved parmesan and parsley.
From land to sea, the freshness of the Portland Kingfish is fantastic, accompanied by the tartness of passionfruit, the heat of horseradish, and crispiness of seaweed crackers, it’s quite the unique flavour combination.
From the starters to the mains, the seafood adventure is complete with the ultimate Australian fish, the Victorian Infinity barramundi, served with pippies (small saltwater clams), in a prosciutto broth, and autumn sprouts, is a refined approach that elevates the clean, buttery flavour of this fish.
The slow cooked Gippsland lamb shoulder, is another level, and served with smoked labne, saltbush, and jus it’s simplicity at its finest, letting this delectable Australian lamb be the star of the show.
Not to be cast aside as just a ‘side’ dish, I could have happily devoured the roasted cauliflower served in an almond gazpacho all on my own. The creaminess intermingled with the smoky flavours from the roasting was an ideal balance to the mains.
The petite eclairs for dessert were the appropriate size for what was left of my hunger; enough to satisfy my utter weakness for all things sweet without pushing me over the edge into a gluttonous state of indulgence. The impeccably light serving of both a salted caramel and raspberries & cream hit the spot.
So, if you ever find yourself wandering around Southbank, and wondering where to secretly indulge in an inviting and charming space, find City Road and where you see the art deco ‘Edwin’ sign is your entry to a delicious and delectable experience. With Edwin’s Hour every day between 3pm – 6pm, or Edwin’s regular wine programs, there’s nothing quite like that as an excuse to duck out early, to enjoy what Edwin Wine Bar and Cellar have to offer…but we can guarantee you’ll be lingering well and truly past 6pm!
*Coco and Vine dined as guests of Edwin Wine Bar & Cellar and AGFG. However, all opinions and photos are our own.
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