Since opening in 2024, Wally's Albert Park has garnered a loyal following of customers seeking out a cosy spot to snack on Euro-centric small plates and savour premium drops. Now, Wally's enters its next chapter with a more complete food offering, defined no longer as just a wine bar, but as a dining-led destination in its own right. Owner Baxter Pickard (surprisingly, not named Wally) has established the leafy corner spot as a go-to for locals and those from further afield seeking a quality glass of vino and an inviting, friendly space. His focus has always been on a wine list that, while covering a range of price points, remains one of Melbourne's most compelling offerings. Even with a renewed focus on food, the wine program remains at the heart of Wally's, spanning everything from premium wines by the glass to bottles priced well beyond $2000. Noticing that customers were partial to lingering over longer meals, Pickard has gradually steered his venue from a wine bar to a produce-driven restaurant, with a recently opened upstairs dining area and private room that complement this next chapter. "Wally's has always been about creating a space people feel comfortable returning to, whether that's for a quick glass of wine or a long dinner with friends. As the venue has evolved, so too has the food offering and overall experience," says Pickard. The menu, designed to sit comfortably alongside the wine program, includes the likes of flatbread with confit garlic butter, barbecue prawns with nduja, gnocchi à la Parisienne, and chicken with mustard soubise. Pop in from 5pm on Thursdays to catch its weekly Steak Frites offering, which for $35 includes rotating premium cuts, frites, salad and sauces. Wally's continues to maintain its position as a bustling hub for the local community, and with its expanded food offerings serving as an added enticement to its renowned wine program, it's set to attract new diners who we wouldn't be surprised to see become regulars, too. Images: Supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
