Overview
Some pretty big changes are afoot in Bligh Place. Two and a half years after launching, modern Middle Eastern diner Souk has had a full refit, jumping into its next phase with a flashy fresh look and a brand-new bar offering.
Off the back of hefty renovations, Souk 2.0 has opened its doors, showing off a new space that conjures up some futuristic Arabian marketplace vibes. Much of the venue's signature neon remains, though it's now matched with an even more dramatic fitout.
While the upstairs and rear of the site house the restaurant, the front space is being transformed into the all-new Handsome Bar, which is slated to launch mid-August. Entered through a separate door, Souk's new watering hole is contemporary, luxe, and heroes playful cocktails and drinking snacks. Serving up an entirely plant-based menu, the food range features eight tapas-style bites, including the likes of Jatz and French onion dip with harissa oil, and faux 'bone marrow' toast with parsley. They're matched by an offering of retro-inspired cocktails and French wine.
Meanwhile, Souk has debuted a new menu of its own, while still sticking to its trademark fusion of classic Ottoman flavours and modern technique. Among a lineup primed for sharing, you'll find plates like fenugreek chicken wings teamed with dried pickled chillies, crispy spiced lamb ribs starring toasted garlic and mint vinegar, and a truffled cheese borek stuffed with black truffle mayo and three types of cheese. Charred flatbreads come with a choice of dip, including an appetising blend of dried tomato, lemon oil, black chilli and sumac. Meanwhile larger dishes span the likes of a barbecue spiced-chicken with buttered rice and currant pine nut sauce, and a contemporary riff on the mixed meat kebab.
Plus, at $55 and $75, the two different sized chef's choice menus are solid options for the feasting-inclined.
Find Souk Melbourne and Handsome Bar at 13 Bligh Place, Melbourne. Souk is open now, while Handsome Bar launches in mid-August — and they both trade Tuesday–Saturday.