Coming Soon: Reine and La Rue Are Melbourne's New French Restaurant and Bar From the NOMAD Crew

It's been just over 18 months since the crew behind Sydney restaurant NOMAD opened the doors to their first Melbourne spin-off in the former Ezard site on Flinders Lane. But it looks like their southern adventure is only just beginning, with news of another culinary venture heading our way before winter is out.

NOMAD Group's Al and Rebecca Yazbek have revealed plans to open their next bar and restaurant, Reine and La Rue, within the historic Melbourne Stock Exchange digs. And this time around, they'll be treating diners to a taste of modern French cuisine.

The neo-gothic building at the corner of Queen and Collins Streets has been resurrected as part of an extensive redevelopment project by GPT Property Group, with Reine and La Rue set to make their home within the impressive space known as The Cathedral Room.

From August, the granite columns, lofty ceilings and glass floor tiles will become the backdrop for Reine's 150-seat dining room, which will also house a ten-metre-long marble bar devoted to cocktails and another slinging seafood. There'll be big banquettes in caramel-hued leather, and furniture by the likes of Grazia & Co and Volker Haug Studio.

Adjacent to all that sits a 40-seat terrace, leading through to the tiny speakeasy-style cocoon of La Rue — a walk-in-only joint with its own wine vault and space for just eight punters at a time.

Heritage Victoria have helped guide the rejuvenation of the historic Cathedral Room, which has laid derelict for the last couple of decades. Also behind the transformation are RBA Heritage Architects and Sydney-based design and architecture practice Akin Atelier.

Samantha Schultz

Both Reine and La Rue are set to showcase the same culinary offering, which'll be imagined by the group's Executive Chef Jacqui Challinor, alongside venue Head Chef (and NOMAD Melbourne alum) Brendan Katich.

The offering will zero in on Victorian produce and celebrate contemporary takes on French flavours, while heroing the kitchen's wood-fired hearth. Look forward to the likes of steak frites with bordelaise sauce, charcoal-cooked local calamari paired with cafe de Paris butter, and a roving cheese trolley.

As for the drinks, the owners are aiming to have "the largest and most exclusive American wine list in the country," along with a strong spread of French vino, of course. American-inspired drops will also rule the classic-leaning cocktail lineup.

Reine and La Rue will open at 380 Collins St, Melbourne in early August. We'll share more details as they drop.