Bar Nacional – A Culinary Slice of San Sebastian in Melbourne

Nestled within the heart of Melbourne’s thriving business district is Collins Square Hospitality Group’s lively Spanish eatery Bar Nacional. Since opening in September 2013, Bar Nacional has cemented itself as one of Melbourne’s favourite culinary destinations, providing a little slice of San Sebastian to inner city foodies.

 

 

Bar Nacional pays homage to the most celebrated aspects of Spanish food culture: a lively atmosphere, community, quality ingredients, careful preparation, and the fast-paced variety of flavours and creative combinations achievable with dishes designed especially to share. The Bar Nacional menu re-interprets a range of Spanish classics in new and exciting ways, with Head Chef Scott Spence dishing up traditional Carrasco Guijuelo Iberian bellota and a creative play on crema catalana.

 

Standout dishes include braised beef shin empanadas, pigs head croquettes, chicken liver parfait with quince and brioche as well as the much loved Cape Grim short rib josper roasted on the bone.  The menu follows the Spanish tradition of sharing and features delicious dishes such as Charcuteria, Josper roasted fish, smoked celeriac and salad greens and Boquerones, orange, parsley and pork crackling.

Bar Nacional’s drinks menu, curated by Collins Square Hospitality Group Sommelier Jeff Salt (Vue de Monde, Circa the Prince), showcases a concise range of Spanish wines covering most regions of Spain, complemented by a list of Australian labels. Alongside the impressive wine list is a tight selection of playfully named cocktails, like “Aqua de Valencia” – featuring gin, vodka, cava and orange juice – and the signature Bar Nacional brandy-soaked Sangria.

 

Bar Nacional’s design includes elements of distressed charcoal timbers, metallic tones of copper and brass, and exposed brickwork. A central bar layered with takeaway tapas and desserts provides a warm welcome to guests. The contemporary lofty space seats 60 and can accommodate up to 150 standing and seated guests in the outdoor entertaining area. Reservations are welcome, with walk-in options also available.

Bar Nacional is open Monday through Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner service from 7 am until 10 pm daily.