Castlerose: South Melbourne’s New Underground Restaurant & Bar

Hospitality veteran Glen Bagnara (Hemingway’s Wine Room, Clementine & Bar Bianco) and developer, Fortis, have drawn back the velvet curtain to unveil the opulent underground restaurant and bar, Castlerose. A grandiose, dark yet dignified den that is a backdrop of elegance for all occasions, providing subterranean meals, snacks, late-night drinks and wild cocktail infusions in the heart of South Melbourne.

This hidden gem can be accessed via a downward spiral staircase to the elegant and dim-lit space, which takes style inspiration from 20th century upmarket dining and comfortably seats 40 diners across a mix of leather banquettes and bar stools. Architects Co:Aika have designed the space using dark timbers, marble and Italian terrazzo that evokes the opulence of grand European venues. 

The menu, from Head Chef David Yuan, features classical European dishes; seasonal, generous and designed to share, these include: 

• Tinned duck rillettes served with fig jam, cornichons, baguette
• Roast Chicken (half or whole), black garlic, lemon, gravy
• Ratatouille tarte tatin eggplant, zucchini and tomato 
• Wagyu Rump Cap 6+ (250gr or 500gr) Yorkshire pudding, red wine
• ‘Eton Mess’ with marinated strawberries, strawberry coulis, crushed meringue 
• ‘Cheese’ cake, philly cream cheese, lemon, mustard fruits and honeycomb

A vintage cheese trolley with an ever-evolving menu of ‘fromagerie’ featuring up to ten varieties of locally sourced gems and European classics, will roam around the room ready to entice patrons. Get along and experience all the delights that Castlerose has to offer. Happy Hour commences at 3 pm, whilst Castlerose opens at 4 pm.

Castlerose, 67 Palmerston Crescent, South Melbourne