Overview
Smokey. Bacon. Breakfast. Ramen. If those four words don't sell you on House of Lulu White, we just don't know what will.
South Yarra's new brunch spot can be found at 4 Yarra Street, South Yarra, an address that has a bit of a storied history. Prior to this week's revamp, it was chic restaurant space Sth Central. But some Melburnians might know it better as the old home of Paradise Girls brothel — which is why the new eatery is named after an infamous former procuress.
These days the site is operated by upscale hospitality company the Tommy Collins Group, who, it must be said, are laying on the innuendo a little bit thick. "Short time or long time, it's always a good time," reads a welcome message on their website. "Play with her coconuts as she quenches your thirst with bottomless cocktails and espresso martinis on tap… Lulu will have you screaming for more."
Alright guys, we get it.
Still, while you might roll your eyes at a menu split into sections marked 'naughty' and 'nice', there's no arguing with the actual food. In addition to the ramen, your all-day breakfast options include almond and fig loaf with whipped yuzu ricotta, umi plum syrup and matcha; buttermilk fried chicken and waffles with maple nahm prik and coriander; and sautéed 'green stuff' with hummus, pickled beetroot, seven seeds, avocado, lemon and a poached egg.
As for lunch, Lulu's got a mean-looking chicken burger with double bacon, house made kimchi and sweet potato fries on the side. If that doesn't grab you, maybe try the steak baguette with roast onion, cavalo nero, beetroot pickle and whipped smoked cheddar, or the purple kale and roast cauliflower salad with sweet potato, pistachio dukkah, avocado and goats curd.
Drinks-wise, you can grab tea or coffee, or split the difference with a tea latte: strawberry swoon, turmeric chai or apple matcha, take your pick. They've also got a small selection of beers and wines — although if you're really feeling boozy, your best option is their weekend bottomless brunch, featuring two hours of bottomless cocktails for just $30. Alternatively, you can just add a nip of whiskey to your porridge and call it a day.
Find House of Lulu White at 4 Yarra St, South Yarra. For more information visit www.houseofluluwhite.com.au.