EAT > Reine & La Rue, Melbourne 18/20

With so many new restaurants opening in Melbourne in 2023 it might be easy to miss one. Especially one that is hidden behind the grand old ANZ bank but missing out on Reine & La Rue would be a mistake as this is amongst the best restaurants to open in Melbourne over the five years. A big call but let me tell you why.

Reine & La Rue is part of the NOMAD Group of restaurants, it is located in the Cathedral room you follow a sneaky passage behind the old bank building and open into the vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and beautiful, stylish but not overwhelming furnishings.

Here nothing over takes the beauty of the room except perhaps the food, oh yes and the wine list.

The food is classic french and there are lots of excellent sharing options. If you are looking for a fine steak this place has you covered and the sauces are perfect.

The menu starts with a range of oysters and caviar on offer from what is fresh and tasty. When we visited there were four fresh oyster options on the menu (three rock, one pacific) and one smoked oyster option ($8 each).

Caviar is a luxury item with Black Pearl Beluga and Polanco Oscetra Grand Reserve both served with fried kombu and crème épaisse. ($180/140 for 10g).

There are a number of Hors d’Oeuvres these are little more than a mouthful but delicious, creative and perfectly styled. Options include Beef Tartare, Smoked Bone Marrow and Jerusalem Artichoke ($16), Scallop Gratin, Caper & Tarragon Butter ($14) and Confit Rabbit with Green Garlic Ravigote ($14) need I say more?

For Entrée there are a number options too including Duck Liver & Foie Gras Parfait with Rhubarb and Sauternes ($28). Tuna Tartare, anchovy, potato galette ($36) and should you need such a thing a Southern Rock Lobster Cocktail ($150).

The wine list is extensive, varietals feature a number of world class regions for each and something for every price point. The somm was knowledgeable and very helpful.

Mains include a shallot tart with asparagus and fromage blanc sauce ($45). Duck neck suasage cassoule ($48) and half great ocean duck served with Sugarloaf Cabbage and jus ($75). Steaks on the grill range from a 180g Rangers Valley grain fed onglet ($65) to a 1kg Sher Wagyu 9+ Ribey, grain fed from Ballan in Victoria ($420).

And if after all that you have room for a dessert then there are few delicious alternatives including dark chocolate, espresso & caramel tart ($24) and Strawberry, pistachio & chartreuse petit choux ($13). A cheese selection is also on offer ($38).

Restaurant service was excellent, never intrusive but you never needed to wait more than a moment. And professional, all the details were immediately recalled and there was a sense that these people all loved their job.

Out the back of the restaurant, beyond the courtyard you will find La Rue, perfect for a cheeky cocktail before dinner or a degustation after dinner. But it only seats 8 inside so plan accordingly.

Reine & La Rue won 2 hats from the Age Good Food Guide in 2023 and also Best New Restaurant accolades that in my opinion are richly deserved!