Melbourne's New French Restaurant and Bar Reine and La Rue Is Set to Open This August

When the crew behind Sydney restaurant NOMAD revealed plans to open their next bar and restaurant within the historic Melbourne Stock Exchange digs, we were understandably excited. It's been nearly two years since NOMAD Group first welcomed Melbourne guests to their first southern spin-off in the former Ezard site on Flinders Lane, and the much-loved Mediterranean restaurant has been attracting crowds ever since.

The latest culinary venture, Reine and La Rue, is set to throw open its doors on Tuesday, August 1. And this time around, they'll be treating diners to a taste of modern French cuisine.

A broad culinary offering inspired by French classics has been imagined by the group's Executive Chef Jacqui Challinor, alongside venue Head Chef (and NOMAD Melbourne alum) Brendan Katich. It's a choose-your-own-adventure situation, with a menu designed to suit any appetite.

"Whether it's walking in for snacks and Champagne at the bar; a cosy booth for a three- course meal; or a table full of plates to share; we would like our guests to create an experience that suits the way they want to eat," Challinor says.

Entrees and snacks zeroes in on Victorian seafood, with scallops paired with rich truffle butter, Eastern Rock lobster cocktails served with endive and rouille; and a seafood platter in the form of a fruit de mer. Deeper into the menu, patrons will discover hand-picked mud crab brandade and mushroom pithivier pastry with soubise and chestnut.

Also central to the kitchen is a wood-fired hearth. The appropriately dedicated grilled section of the menu sees duck paired with sugarloaf cabbage and jus gras, a selection of Victorian beef from Blackmore and O'Connor with a range of sauces and mustards or whole fish served on a bed of sea herbs and sauce verte.

Rounding out the offering: a roving cheese trolley, chocolate tarts, and Jersey milk soft serve pumped from the in-house machine, topped with fresh hazelnut and extra virgin olive oil.

As for the drinks, the owners are aiming to showcase the best Australian and local Victorian wines, along with a strong spread of American and French vino, of course. American-inspired drops will also rule the classic-leaning cocktail lineup.

Granite columns, lofty ceilings and glass floor tiles are the backdrop for Reine's 150-seat dining room, which will also house a ten-metre-long marble bar devoted to cocktails and another slinging seafood. There'll be big banquettes in caramel-hued leather, and furniture by the likes of Grazia & Co and Volker Haug Studio.

Adjacent to all that sits a 40-seat terrace, leading through to the tiny speakeasy-style cocoon of La Rue — a walk-in-only joint with its own wine vault and space for just eight punters at a time.

Heritage Victoria have helped guide the rejuvenation of the historic Cathedral Room, which has laid derelict for the last couple of decades. Also behind the transformation are RBA Heritage Architects and Sydney-based design and architecture practice Akin Atelier.

Both Reine and La Rue are set to showcase the same culinary offering, so you're guaranteed to eat well, no matter the occasion.

Samantha Schultz

Reine and La Rue will open at 380 Collins St, Melbourne on Tuesday, August 1. It'll be open Tuesdays–Saturdays from 12pm, including dinner from 5pm until late. Bookings are open now via the website.