Now Open: Two Melbourne Restaurant Groups Have Joined Forces to Create the CBD's New All-Day Brasserie Ruby Dining
This contemporary brasserie is the brainchild of three hospo heavyweights who collectively own eight drinking and dining venues in Melbourne — with Ruby their ninth jewel in the crown.
Valerie Fong and Randy Dhamanhuri from Operator Venues (Operator25, Middletown, Makan, Operator Diner and Operator San) know a thing or two about running cafes and nailing Melbourne breakfasts. And James Cornwall from Tenable Dining (Bonny Fitzroy, Young Hearts and Seville Estate) has the after-dark drinking and dining trade sorted.
These Melbourne hospo heavy hitters have come together for Ruby Dining, a new all-day brasserie in the CBD.
The whole vibe of Ruby Dining is inspired by theatre-district brasseries in London and New York, so you can expect a playful yet still sophisticated venue that's set up for just about anyone to enjoy.
For breakfast, you'll find the same contemporary Australian brunch fare that the Operator venues are so loved for, but with more French sensibilities — there's a mean croque madame, a luxe shokupan french toast and brown butter madeleines topped with whipped goat cheese and honey that are baked to order.
When lunch and dinner service roll around, Cornwall's cooking takes centre stage. His interpretation of the modern brasserie sees him showcase great technique and top-notch local produce without being overly ostentatious. Dishes aren't overly complicated, devilishly small or overpriced. Nonetheless, he is still having plenty of fun with the menu.
You've got classics like steak frites, onion tart, and ricotta and pistachio ravioli, plus more playful eats like the one-bite Caesar salad and his potato cannoli. The aforementioned freshly baked madeleines also feature on the lunch and dinner menu, so there's no need to worry about missing out if you're there after brekkie.
You'll be tucking into all of this within chic surrounds designed by We Are Humble (Kaiju Cantina, No. 100 Flinders Lane, CoConspirators Brewpub, Code Black Brunswick and Good Measure). The architects kept some of the building's original features, including the bar, the exposed waffle slab above it and the mirror-panelled walls, while adding splashes of ruby red throughout the dining room and bar. Soft curved frames, Thonet bistro chairs and rich brown upholstery complete the brasserie fitout.
When spending time at Ruby, you could easily forget you're in Australia, but perhaps somewhere in London, New York or Paris. But these Melbourne hospo legends have made sure to weave plenty of local touches throughout the whole experience — it still has that Melbourne je ne sais quoi.
You'll find Ruby Dining at 189 Queen Street, Melbourne. open for breakfast and lunch every day of the week and for dinner from Wednesday–Saturday. For more information, head to the venue's website.
Images: Jana Langhorst and Simpson Chin.
