Overview
Richmond's Meatmother has officially left the building, barbecue eats and all — but if its replacement Caddie is anything to go by, locals won't be noticing the loss for too long.
A smart bar and eatery with a strong local focus, this one's headed up by chef-owner Dylan Evans, whose resume includes international hits like Chicago's Alinea, Manresa in LA and the iconic Noma, in addition to local haunts like Fargo & Co and State of Grace.
Here, he's stripping things right back to deliver a dining experience simply centred on great food and drink. The menu is seasonal, share-friendly and small in an approachable way, and is set to change up constantly. Right now, you'll discover dishes like kingfish with burnt butter and capers; an assembly of chicken, tarragon, verjuice and grape; and even a dessert riff on the classic Welsh rarebit.
The drinks offering also leans heavily local, featuring a considered curation of craft beers and wines from across Australia. Pop in after work for a glass of Mornington Peninsula chardonnay or a Chenin Blanc from WA, or settle in with a bottle of Lucy Margaux Pinot Noir over a long, lazy dinner.
Find Caddie at 167 Swan Street, Richmond. It's open for lunch Thursday through Saturday, and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Images: Simon Shiff