Colder months call for the warm sear of a steak fresh off the grill. Steak is the star of our spotlight this June and throughout the year for some venues, so if you’re in the mood for a cut, this is your list.
With the winter season coming in strong, it’s hard to ignore the hearty menu changes at our Now Book It venues in Melbourne. Home to five of the world’s best steak restaurants and so much more — don’t look past these stalwart joints in the city for great meat worth its mettle.
1. Bottega
First up, we’ve got Bottega with a modern flair on Italian cuisine specialising in handmade pasta. But we’re here for steak, which holds its own. Here’s what’s on the menu—250gm flat iron steak (Gippsland, pasture-fed, MBS2+), rosemary and confit garlic butter, arugula and balsamic vinegar. Do we even begin to mention their stellar sides or desserts?
Bottega offers an intimate, relaxed dining environment with outdoor options for those warmer winter days. Time to make a reservation.
2. Squires Loft
Image source: Squires Loft
For over 30 years, Squires Loft has been the go-to spot for the textbook definition of a delicious steak, pure and simple. The premium cuts of grass-fed beef are sourced from the Western District of Victoria and the lush pastures of Gippsland, and they shine on a sizzling hot platter next to their greatest match—potatoes, baked, fried and all.
You know the food’s good when customers themselves get into the business, some of Squires Loft’s regulars run their own today! The space is welcoming for diners of all ages, making this a prime choice for groups and celebrations.
You’ll find Squires Loft locations all over Melbourne, here are three of our favourites to match every occasion:
Squires Loft Albert Park
Image source: Squires Loft Albert Park
Nestled within the bustling St Kilda Road business precinct, this location is a no-brainer for lunch meetings or a much-deserved wind-down after work.
Squires Loft Mornington
Image source: Squires Loft Mornington
If you prefer date nights by the shoreside, make the Mornington outpost your pick. This picturesque location is perfect for a fulfilling meal to cap off a day out at the beach.
Squires Loft Cheltenham
Image source: Squires Loft Cheltenham
Repping Bayside Area — Cheltenham’s Squires Loft offers its own sophisticated ambience replete with a fireplace for a memorable meal whether it’s an intimate gathering or a proper blowout.
3. L’Hotel Gitan
Image source: L’hotel Gitan
Grab your mates and head to Prahran’s most iconic pub for O’Connors Bavette Grain fed options up to 1kg. At the heart of the hotel is an open kitchen where you can watch whole pigs spin, crepes tossed and charcuterie thinly sliced to perfection for every order. All the vibrant activity doubles as entertainment while you let that beef settle.
L’Hotel Gitan’s art-deco roots, roaring fireplace and al fresco dining options will leave you hungry for more.
4. Ludlow Bar
Image source: Ludlow Bar
If you haven’t noticed by this point of the hit list, Melbourne is known for being an iconic food and wine city. A Southbank spot on the Yarra River takes the cake for the best of both worlds if you feel like a steak washed down with sips of wine.
On food, there’s steak and bone marrow pie, Australian full blood, black Angus, and 70-day grain-fed rib eye along with the classics like striplion and scotch fillet. Pairing any red meat dish with a glass (or two) of the locale’s premium South Australian Barossa Glaetzer ‘Wallace’ Shiraz Grenache will make it a party and that Insta shot one for the grid.
5. Bomba
Image source: Bomba Tapas Bar
Lively and full of quintessentially Spanish high-spirited vibes, Bomba is ready for dining room reservations and rooftop hangs in the Melbourne CBD. We are highlighting steak but we could easily showcase anything on this menu — it’s that good.
For a main, you can’t miss the star of the show, an O’Connor’s flank steak paired with salsa verde, watercress capers and horseradish. Then go wild with the variety of tapas to snack on with a cocktail in hand.
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