Food-lovers will be happy to know that the $40 million revamp of ACMI hasn't skimped out on the culinary side of things. Rather, the precinct is now also home to the latest venture from acclaimed chef and author Karen Martini: a Euro-inspired all-day restaurant named Hero.
Championing simplicity while showcasing top Victorian produce, it aims to deliver a fuss-free take on contemporary dining that ties in effortlessly with one of the city's most exciting cultural hubs.
From 10.30am daily (11am on Monday), a grab-and-go kiosk offering features bites like three-cheese toasties ($14) and granola pots ($12), with an expanded mezze-driven sit-down menu to come.
In the restaurant and bar, which is open from 11.30am Tuesday–Sunday, you'll roll in for the likes of a hearty crumbed fish sambo ($24), chicken liver parfait with verjuice jelly ($18), buffalo mozzarella matched with pickled onion and tomato ($20), cavatelli pasta with crab and chilli ($36) or perhaps the bavette steak starring 'cafe de Hero' butter ($51).
A snappy monochromatic fit-out by Chris Connell (Marameo, Il Bacaro) provides a smart, edgy space to unwind and enjoy your pre- or post-museum feed. Or, if you're catching a flick at the cinema, head straight for Hero's reimagined snack bar offering to get stuck into a globe-trotting wine list curated by Phillip Rich (Prince Wine Store, Kisume) and dreamy cheese boxes by Maker and Monger's Anthony Femia.
The Grab and Go Kiosk is open from 11am–7pm Monday and from 10.30am Tuesday–Sunday. The Snack Bar is open from 5.30pm daily.
Images: Pete Tarasiuk