Renowned Chef Phillip Davenport Has Taken the Helm at Lamaro's and Unveiled a Brand-New Menu

Long-standing gastropub Lamaro's has seen plenty of changes in its time — and the evolution continues this week with the arrival of a new Executive Chef and a refreshed culinary offering to match.

Taking the reins at the South Melbourne mainstay is none other than kitchen legend Phillip Davenport, who comes fresh from his time helming Seminyak's famed beachside restaurant Ku De Ta. You might also recognise him as the host of TV series The Toque 12, which sees the chef travelling the globe giving audiences a glimpse into the world's hottest fine-diners and restaurants. And back in the day, he was making magic as Head Chef at Bondi institution Hugo's.

Here on Cecil Street, Davenport will be helping to guide Lamaro's into a new era of gastropub excellence with an all-new menu that blends elements of his own classic French culinary training with a sprinkling of influence from his travels.

Longtime fans of Lamaro's can rest easy though — the new menu is grounded in the same Southeast Asian flavours and stylings for which the venue's known and loved, carrying on Geoff Lindsay's legacy. There's even a few familiar favourites that'll be sticking around, including the red duck curry and the legendary veal schnitzel.

Joining them, you'll now find plates like wood-grilled scallops paired with tamarind and roasted pork belly, twice-cooked harissa octopus with fennel and a saffron orange dressing, and roast beetroot salad with goat cheese purée.

There's an Indo-inspired riff on lamb navarin starring a rendang jus, and coconut and bean salad; a king prawn spaghettini with tobiko and a saffron tuille; and a range of primo steak cuts cooked over red gum.

If you're dropping by for a casual bite, you'll also find a refreshed bar menu featuring newcomers like the skagen roll stuffed with prawns, celery, creme fraiche and trout roe. Lamaro's renowned wine list will continue kicking goals as is, along with the 12-strong craft beer taplist.

Find Lamaro's Hotel at 273-279 Cecil Street, South Melbourne. It's open daily from 12pm–late.