Rockpool Bar & Grill's Degustation Dinners

Overview

Rockpool Bar & Grill in Melbourne isn't known for changing things up. In fact, many diners come here because they know exactly what they're getting every time they visit — and that's usually one of Melbourne's best steaks.

But right now, the chefs have been given permission to really experiment with Rockpool's food offering through its new series of degustation dinners. Every Friday and Saturday night until Saturday, July 20, you can book in for Rockpool's nine-course spread that's exclusively served in its semi-private dining rooms overlooking the Yarra.

These aren't available to walk-ins, and there's a highly limited number of seats up for grabs each week.

If you manage to get a spot, you'll be treated to a selection of mostly meat and seafood dishes that have been dreamt up by Executive Chef Santiago Aristizabal. You can expect bites like prawn and carrot crepe with saffron and curry leaves, paspaley pearl with green gazpacho and smoked bullhorn pepper oil, rare Cape Grim fillet and bone marrow on toast and Davidson plum doughnuts topped with smoked vanilla ice cream.

The nine-course degustation comes in at $195 per person, with several wine-pairing options available starting from $85 — something we highly recommend for those wanting to really treat themselves.

Those dining a la carte can also try something new by ordering one of its luxe new tableside dishes. The NSW rock lobster thermidor is carted over on a trolley and drizzled in flames right before your eyes. And the 1-kilo, pancetta-wrapped $350 chateaubriand steak (for four to five people) is also finished and carved up tableside.

It's decadent and expensive, but Rockpool is a legendary restaurant in Melbourne that's known for sourcing only the best quality produce. It costs to try food this good. But if you can afford it, it is a real treat.