Clementine Is South Melbourne's New Daytime Diner From the Mind Behind Hemingway's Wine Room
This 60-seater is plating up a crafty and decadent take on modern cafe fare — and come May, it'll be joined by an underground supper club at the same address.
Glen Bagnara knows a thing or two about opening a great wine bar, as one of the minds behind Hemingway's Wine Room and Prahran's Bar Bianco. But for his next trick, he's taking on a different kind of project, teaming up with developer Fortis to launch South Melbourne's new daytime diner Clementine.
Marking the first phase of the two-level venue that Bagnara has planned for the Palmerston Crescent site, this bright ground-floor eatery promises a stylish spot for coffee and brekkie through to lunch and afternoon sweet treats. Timber panelling and copper finishes deck out the 60-seat space, and there's even a shady patio for al fresco dining.
An all-day menu by Head Chef David Yuan pulls inspiration from across the globe, steering the concept of modern Australian cafe fare in a refreshing new direction. It's crafty and considered, headlined by a proper Full English for two complete with steak, organic pork snags and house-made black pudding.
Unafraid to get a little decadent, the menu sits lobster florentine, hoisin-laced duck waffles and soufflé pancakes alongside the likes of a coconut chia bircher, and spring eggs with bonito dashi consommé.
There's a reuben starring kangaroo pastrami and pineapple sauerkraut, the classic mille-feuille is reimagined savoury-style with layers of cured salmon and cream cheese foam, and there's a Korean-inspired slow-cooked beef short rib matched with kimchi fried rice.
You'll definitely be swayed to try the innovation that is Clementine's Crisps & Coffee — salted potato chips paired with a Duke's coffee foam — and the ice cream brioche burger is sure to turn a few heads, too. You've also got pastries and sweets from Söt by Mörk and AM Bakehouse gracing the cabinet.
Unsurprisingly, Bagnara's wine bar experience is set to leave its mark on the drinks offering here, though you'll have to wait until later in autumn for a taste. Set to join the existing lineup of juices, smoothies and coffee by Dukes will be a daytime-friendly curation of vino and cocktails.
Come May, sibling venue Castlerose will open at the same address, taking the form of an underground supper club.
Find Clementine at 67–69 Palmerston Crescent, South Melbourne. It's open daily from 7.30am–3pm.
Images: Alex Squadrito.
