Sardine Chadstone

Overview

The latest indoor-outdoor space to join Melbourne's latest wave of sky-high drinking destinations is Sardine, boasting uninterrupted views of Melbourne's city skyline in the east.

Announced as part of Chadstone's new $70-million entertainment hub, The Social Quarter, Sardine will form the second level of the new White + Wong's. Nestled on the upper level of the 750 square-metre restaurant, the standalone bar can accommodate up to 95 patrons.

The drinks menu runs to the likes of local beers, wine, mocktails and cocktails. Standouts include the Moon Rabbit ($20) which mixes Drambuie, Lustao Amontillado Jerez and Demerara black tea with fresh lemon. Spice-lovers should beeline towards The La ($20), which heroes chilli mango, lime, cranberry and maraschino with vodka.

Peckish patrons can access the full White + Wong's menu from downstairs, but the bites and snacks section is particularly suited for the openair courtyard space. Peruse through fresh and tempura oysters ($42 for six), the latter served with a fresh nahm jim and kaffir lime mayonnaise. A summer-ready kingfish sashimi is served with Fijian-inspired heirloom tomatoes, chilli, lime, coconut cream and coriander ($21).

Crowd-pleasing dumplings range from a modern duck and chive xiao long bao($18), to traditional crystal skin prawn dumplings ($16). Vegetarians can look towards gochujang wontons with Chinese cabbage ($16), shiitake and tofu ($16), or a Korean glass noodle salad ($20).

Images: Arianna Leggiero