Overview
If you're a drinker of coffee, it's likely you're already familiar with Joseph Haddad's work. After all, he's the brains behind renowned specialty roaster Code Black, which launched in 2012 and has blossomed to encompass six local outposts.
But for his latest project, Haddad's swapped beans for vino, opening the doors to an all-day wine bar and eatery on Flinders Lane. Simply named No. 100, it's drawing on a blend of Euro and Aussie influence, landing somewhere between dining room, deli and drinking destination.
Hospitality design studio We Are Humble have worked their magic on the two-part venue, which greets you with a minimalist deli-style space that's primed for perching, then flows through into a chic 20-seat dining area filled with elegant timber panelling and metallic finishes.
Drop by the former for a coffee (Code Black, of course), a sweet treat or one of the weekly changing sangas — perhaps starring chicken, stracciatella and rosemary lemon mayo, or porchetta with figs, ricotta and pistachio cream.
The adjoining restaurant is plating up an oft-rotating menu celebrating simplicity and seasonality, which works just as well for lunch and dinner as for those in-between grazing sessions. You'll find small plates like baked fig done with honeycomb and mountain pepper ricotta, kingfish pastrami sided with crème fraiche, a chicken paté, and house focaccia served with whipped feta.
Duck breast might be paired with pepitas and leek, squid noodles done with silverbeet and a hit of 'nduja, and a Basque cheesecake married with flavours of peach and thyme. There's also a $75 Feed Me option for when you're feeling indecisive.
Meanwhile, wine-sippers are in expert hands with a list by Restaurant Manager and Head Sommelier Ellen Reinhardt, who brings experience from her time training at Le Cordon Bleu. Hitting a little differently to your usual wine lineup, this one's championing alternative Aussie varietals as well as spotlighting sustainable producers and a few international gems. A handful of cocktails sits alongside, including the Silver Fox, blending Code Black Coffee Liqueur with rye whisky and hazelnut.
Find No. 100 at 100 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. The deli is open from 11am–2pm Tuesday to Saturday, while the restaurant is open 11am–late the same days.
Images: Guy Lavoipierre