Dining out on Chapel Street has, over the past decade, been heavily skewed towards its Windsor end, with the strip beyond High Street becoming a go-to destination for operators opening new cafes, wine bars and restaurants. But last year we gained an extravagant newcomer, modern Asian restaurant Yugen Dining, at South Yarra’s Capitol Grande precinct on Chapel Street. And now Beverly, sitting on the 24th level of the $400 million Goldfields House, may also play a part in the area’s dining renaissance.
Three years in the making, the rooftop restaurant and bar comes from Cameron Northway (who also co-owns Bondi’s Rocker and St. Kilda’s Loti) and Goldfields’ CEO Lachlan Thompson and managing director Marco Gattino.
With its blush-pink curved chairs and green-and-white-striped lounges the glamorous interiors, designed by Mitchell & Eades (Grill Americano and Carlton Wine Room), are inspired by the effortless cool of southern Californian rooftops.
“As soon as I saw the site and was throwing [around] ideas of what could be up there, I was inspired by my travels to LA. They have fantastic weather. They have amazing rooftop culture. Let’s bring that to Melbourne,” Northway tells Broadsheet.
Step out of the elevator and you’re greeted by a 270-degree view overlooking the city – from iconic landmarks like the MCG and Rod Laver Arena to as far as the Dandenong Ranges. And the retractable glass rooftop is putting al fresco boozing in style all year round.
In the kitchen, chef David Ball is grounding the menu in the best of Australian produce. Starting his career with chef Raymond Blanc at Oxford’s two-star Michelin restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Ball has spent time in kitchens in London, Paris and most recently as head chef at Dominique Portet in the Yarra Valley.
Expect seafood-heavy small plates to start, like bluefin tuna tartare served with chilli yuzu mayo, and prawn ceviche with jalapeño cream. Large plates follow, including a signature marron and spanner crab pasta. There’s also a woodfired grill turning out pasture-raised chicken and eye fillet steaks. And of course, in true LA style, there’s a crumbed mac’n’cheese with truffle gouda on the side.
On the cocktail list: a fitting Bellini Sunset and tequila-led Mayahuel. There’s also an extensive, globetrotting wine list.
Come for a long lunch with friends or a knock-off cocktail, or settle in for a lively dinner – just make sure you’re there for sunset.
Beverley
Level 24, 627 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Hours
Tues 4pm-late
Wed to Sun 12:00-late
beverlyrooftop.com.au
@beverlyrooftop/
21 Jul 2023
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