Ella Is Melbourne CBD's Massive New Food Precinct Perfect for Not-Boring Lunches

The CBD's massive new entertainment and dining precinct has arrived — and it's a triple threat. Ella has a street art gallery, a live music venue and a food-filled laneway that includes outposts from some of the city's favourite eateries.

The precinct spans a whopping 2500-square-metres and takes inspiration from the food-filled train stations in Asia. It's the latest creation by the GPT Group, which also developed next-door Melbourne Central.

As far as food goes, Ella is home to ramen, fried chicken, momos and Israeli classics created by some of the city's most loved eateries. These include Colours Bowls, the latest plant-based offering by young gun chef Charlie Carrington (of South Yarra's hatted Atlas Dining); Korean fried chicken joint Sam Sam; Pick a Stick Chinese Skewers by the Dainty Sichuan team; and a new concept by Collingwood's Son in Law, dubbed The Pad, which serves up Thai street food.

Already located in the space are Nepalese restaurant Chilli Everest and Japanese noodle shop Ajisen Ramen, both of which have reopened with a new fit-out for the Ella launch. A second outpost of Collingwood's hospitality hub and co-working space Worksmith will round out the initial openings — when it's open it will come complete with a drinks lab and events space.

Apart from the extensive food offering, expect live gigs by emerging and established musicians to be on offer several days per week — the precinct has been given special acoustic treatment for just this purpose. Local Melbourne artists will pull together the soundtrack on nights without gigs, and the app crowdDJ will be on offer for visitors to to choose their own tunes, too. Melbourne street art will also be on display, covering a dedicated mural wall that will be continuously refreshed by local artists.

Phase two of Ella's openings will happen June 27, when bottle shop Blackheart & Sparrows launches, followed by a new cocktail bar by famed bartender Luke Whearty (of Singapore's award-winning Operation Dagger) called Byrdi. Further openings are expected in early 2020, too.

Ella is now open at the corner of Elizabeth and La Trobe streets. Opening hours are 10am–10pm, daily. To check each restaurant's opening hours, head to the website.