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Sebastian Is Williamstown Beach's New Basque-Inspired Waterfront Bistro

It's grilling seafood and pouring sangria on a sprawling shaded deck right on the sand.
Libby Curran
November 27, 2018

Overview

With summer (and hopefully some hot weather) arriving this weekend, Melbourne's southwest has scored the perfect balmy weather venue. Meet Sebastian, a new Spanish restaurant right on Williamstown beach.

After opening the doors to Southbank Argentinian grill Asado in August, co-owner Dave Parker (also one of the names behind San TelmoPastuso and Palermo) has launched yet another project. He's teamed up with longtime friend and Williamstown local Alex Brawn to transform the space once home to Shelly's Beach Pavilion into a breezy seaside bar and grill that nods to the Spanish town of San Sebastian. The venue opened late last week and will be open from 10am till late every day of the week.

Acclaimed design studio Ewert Leaf has transformed the the heritage-listed space into a Hamptons-style vision of white, blue and oak befitting of the waves lapping at the shore just beyond it. The venue has space for 250, complete with dining room, bistro and a sprawling shaded deck that is literally on the beach.

The all-day menu is available from noon, with lots of snacks, small and large dishes cooked over the charcoal grill and cold smoker. Snack in pinxtos like fried mussels and pork croquettes, or dive into some sardines, house-made sausage or a whole flounder. Meats and fish are cured in-house, too, which you can get into with the kitchen's signature charcuterie board. Patatas bravas make an appearance, thankfully, and Spanish wine, vermouth and sangria on tap will really top off your post-swim feast.

Sebastian is open daily from 10am till late at 26 Esplanade, Williamstown. 

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