Chancery Lane

The latest venture from renowned chef Scott Pickett (Estelle, Lupo), Chancery Lane has taken over the historic Normanby Chambers site at 430 Collins Street. The iconic space is now kitted out with moodily lit dining zones, curved banquettes and arched windows framed in dapper black steel, while Head Chef Rob Kabboord (Lekker, Quay, Merricote) plates up a menu of Euro-accented bistro fare that's at once timeless and unafraid of modern technique.

The expansive seafood selection features a range of caviar served by the gram or the tin, alongside bites like the Hervey Bay scallops starring fennel and finger lime ($12). A rich black truffle and foie gras toastie ($19) makes for a decadent snack, as does the gruyère-laced dry-aged duck and shiitake burger ($28) — surely a cult favourite in the making. Deeper in, you might find yourself tucking into a delicate Robbins Island tartare topped with a potato crisp and caviar ($29), and the 'poulet au cidre' chicken done with calvados and apple ($39). And, while the cheese selection features an impressive, global lineup, prepare to be more than little swayed by lush desserts like the raspberry and gin baba ($16).

A grand, globe-trotting wine cellar rounds out the fun, including a pick of top-shelf wines displayed artfully in a former safe within one of the dining room walls.

Images: Tania Bahr Vollrath