If you are looking for a glamorous dining experience in Melbourne, look no further than Dolly, the new restaurant and adjoining bar nestled in the basement of the Le Méridien Melbourne at 20 Bourke Street. Opened in March, this lush 90-seat venue is a nod to the golden age of cinema, evoking the glamour and mystique of the backstage. It features rich timber panelling, distressed mirror finishes, soft mulberry-hued banquette seating, and luxuriant deep red carpet, providing a moody 1930s backdrop that oozes elegance and sophistication.
Named after the dolly zoom camera technique, pioneered during Hitchcock’s 1958 masterpiece ‘Vertigo,’ the restaurant 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. Helmed by Executive Chef Christian Graebner, Dolly’s menu draws from classic European cuisine while showcasing seasonal local produce.
Start your culinary journey with freshly shucked oysters served with champagne sorbet or poached lobster tail with fried brioche. For the entrée, try the Yarra Valley Venison Loin Tartare, served with Davidson Plum, Spiced Macadamia Cream, and Saltbush, or the King George Whiting En Papillote, featuring locally-caught fish flavoured with Port Arlington Mussel Broth and placed on a bed of saffron-braised fennel with a final touch of Rainbow Trout Caviar Pearls. Don’t forget to try the signature Beef Wellington, cooked to pink perfection with Silverbeet, Prosciutto, and Mushrooms, encased in golden, buttery puff pastry.
Pair your meal 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 Yarra Valley’s Punt Road Napoleone Vineyards Chardonnay, Dal Zotto Pinot Grigio from King Valley, and Minnow Rosé, located just 30 minutes from the restaurant.
At the showpiece central servery bar, wrapped in fluted chrome, enjoy a list of Artful Cocktails inspired by iconic artists that once graced the stage and screen at 20 Bourke St. The signature cocktails and the characters they draw inspiration from span centuries of theatre, art, and music. From Australian soprano Florence Austral to Prince Rogers Nelson and his lover and muse, Denise “Vanity” Matthews, each icon has created unforgettable cultural moments in Australian history, and each cocktail has a story to tell.
Whether you are planning to enjoy a prompt prix fixe pre-theatre menu, after-work cocktails, or a special occasion, Dolly is the perfect venue to get lost in the night. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Melbourne’s newest and most glamorous dining destination.
Bookings are open for dinner daily from 5.00 pm until late. Book now at www.dollymelbourne.com.