Overview
Just when you thought they couldn't possibly squeeze any more shiny new additions into Chadstone's newly-launched Social Quarter precinct, along comes the final piece of the puzzle. Introducing, Cityfields — an all-day bar and diner with a European lean from the team behind South Melbourne's much-loved Half Acre.
It's the realisation of a plan that's been a long time in the making and it's well worth the wait. The polished yet effortlessly chic venue really impresses.
Unfolding across two levels, this grand, light-filled space makes a statement, imagined with the help of designers Pasquale Cook and Studio Manifold. It's got a show-stopping curved staircase lit by vintage chandeliers, lofty 12-metre-high ceilings and an assortment of seating, indoors and out, with soaring double doors to greet you as you enter.
On the ground floor, both the public bar and restaurant plate up the same day-to-night culinary offering; the menu taking cues from Half Acre, then adding a dash of European bistro flavour. There's a touch of Aussie influence, an abundance of local produce and plenty of wood-fired elements on show throughout.
That might mean kicking things off with the wood-roasted pumpkin dip, dainty olive and anchovy gildas, kingfish crudo finished with native lime, and hand-cut salami with caperberries and pickles. There's even a nod to the potato cake done with goat milk yoghurt and a sweet pickle relish.
Vibrant salads range from a classic niçoise to a seared beef and lentil number, while pasta fiends can cosy up to the likes of gnocchi cacio e pepe with shaved pine mushrooms, and a hearty pairing of Sicilian tomato pesto and bone marrow.
Or, dig deeper with the porchetta sided with rich quince jus, a cheeseburger or one of four wood-fired steak cuts teamed with very French accompaniments. You'll also find a roving dessert cart doing the rounds, though it's hard to pass up the house-made soft serve in flavours like anzac biscuit and olive oil, and macadamia Milo affogato.
Locals lead the crafty beer lineup and the wine list is expansive, with a handful of signature cocktails headlined by a riff on the gin fizz. Taking pride of place atop the bar, the Sling Shaker jiggles away blending the contents of up to six cocktail shakers at once. And just in case you needed any more excuse to stop by for a tipple, happy hour runs from 4–7pm every Monday to Thursday.
But, despite the impressive offerings of Cityfields' ground floor, that's far from it. Set to open next month is the venue's sophisticated second level, home to a 40-seat dining room as well as the Terrace Bar and Terrace Garden. Rooftop sips and al fresco long lunches await.
Find Cityfields at Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone. It's open daily from 12pm–late.
Images: Pete Dillon