Melbourne’s CBD dining scene is set to expand with a fresh face in the mix.

The dynamic dining spot 500 Bourke Street is set to relaunch early next year, boasting a new player on its culinary roster. Joining the legendary Melbourne hospitality veterans, MoVida Aqui and Rosa’s Canteen, is SilkSpoon, the latest venture by Victor Liong of the famed Le Ho Fook.

Bringing a vibrant, casual all-day dining experience to the city’s heart, SilkSpoon’s menu takes inspiration from the Silk Road’s colourful history. SilkSpoon’s owner, Victor Liong, shared his excitement at joining Rosa’s Canteen and MoVida Aqui, becoming an integral part of Melbourne’s dynamic dining scene in the new plaza at 500 Bourke. “SilkSpoon is all about fostering social gatherings in a welcoming atmosphere. We aim to provide a lively space for people to catch up, be it for work or leisure,” expressed Liong. He further added, “We’re observing a preference for earlier, more casual dinners after work in the city. This is creating a steady buzz in our dining space, bustling from mid-morning through to early evening.”

500 Bourke Street’s new culinary line-up reflects a larger transformation of Melbourne’s CBD, with the area undergoing a dining renaissance. ISPT, an Australian property fund manager, is injecting a whopping $150 million into a complete redesign of the existing 500 Bourke Street building. This facelift aims to deliver a lively destination to work, experience, play, and dine, with a retail and dining plaza featuring renowned Melbourne restaurants, cafes, and eateries.

Notably, the city’s office culture is influencing this hospitality shake-up, with establishments like Rosa’s Canteen and MoVida Aqui adapting to the emerging trends. Rosa Mitchell, owner of Rosa’s Canteen, notes the trend of longer, leisurely lunches and a renewed culture of entertaining clients, which often results in large group bookings. Frank Camorra of MoVida also acknowledges the evolving culture and is eager to welcome both old and new customers to their freshly designed space.

The redesign of 500 Bourke Street, executed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, envisages a blend of work and life, encompassing more than just a physical space to work. Nicole Ward, ISPT’s Head of Portfolio, Office, explains that the plaza aims to enrich the city and become a destination for those looking to eat in the CBD.

This new wave of Melbourne CBD dining culture seems to be hitting the sweet spot between work and play, making city life even more appealing for locals and visitors alike. For more information on the transformation of 500 Bourke Street, visit www.500bourkest.com.au.