Aru

Inspired by the ancient seafaring routes between China, Indonesia and northern Australia, Aru's menu draws on dishes from the Asian region and beyond, cooked over the large woodfire hearth.

The award-winning restaurant's cuisine represents the chic, smart-casual dining Melbourne is known for. You might find a beef tartare with house-made lemongrass sriracha and puffed black rice crisps; or a Moreton Bay bug fried rice with spiced crayfish oil and bottarga.

Snacks are deft executions of Asian starters with an Australian touch, and not to be missed are Aru's signature dishes – a 14-day dry-aged roast duck, finished over the red gum woodfire, and a clay pot broken rice with glistening braised pork cheek and an egg yolk for richness.

You'll also find a cellar with an impressive wine list, and unusual cocktails that lean on the restaurant's mix of Asian and native Australian flavours.

Aru also has a private dining room, perfect for groups.