Overview
The iconic corner site at 2 Acland Street in St Kilda is no stranger to change, having taken on many incarnations and debuted an array of new offerings over its many, many decades of life. Existing as the Ryan Hospitality Group's multi-faceted venue The Prince since 2018, it's just unveiled its latest addition — a brand-new iteration of second-level restaurant Prince Dining Room.
The diner has entered a new phase of life, complete with an overhauled food offering and refreshed approach. While the space's aesthetic remains largely unchanged with its crisp white walls, art deco features and signature curved booths, the kitchen has upped the sophistication factor, debuting a refined menu anchored in technique and driven by fire.
Executive Chef Dan Cooper (ex-Aria, Circa) has the reins, pairing Mediterranean flavours with local produce and giving more than a nod to the coast. Start with the likes of yellowfin tuna tartlets, beef tartare with bottarga and a gruyère puff, and burrata sided with smoked tomato jam and pollen.
The day's fish is done with clams, fennel and nduja butter, hand-cut tagliatelle shines bright with citrus butter and golden trout roe, and a saddle of Tassie lamb comes matched with smoked eggplant. You can even sit down to half a crayfish, elevated with garlic butter and 'charcuterie XO'.
The adjacent drinks offering is now known as The Bar at Prince Dining Room, backing the venue's award-winning wine list with a fresh crop of beers, booze-free sips and cocktails — from the likes of a burnt orange highball to a Black Manhattan crafted on bitter amaro.
The site's other elements are kicking along as usual, including the Prince Public Bar downstairs, the Prince Bandroom, Little Prince Wine and the 39-room Prince Hotel.
Kristoffer Paulsen
Find the updated Prince Dining Room on Level 2 at 2 Acland Street, St Kilda. It's open from 4pm–late Wednesday–Thursday and from 12pm–late Friday–Sunday.