Japanese listening bar x vinyl-spinning setting x DJ hot spot now banquet dining sensation, what else can Ruby, My Dear do? Founded by top-notch restauranteurs and bar connoisseurs, Bonnie Shearston and Tom Sanceau—the duo behind famous burger bar, Red Hook, and once Italian-inspired restaurant and wine bar, Coppa—this Japanese-inspired jazz kissaten has become a hit in the Newstead social scene.
Founded in April 2023, this space takes casual dining, jazz and techno to a whole new level. Fitted with an ever-growing vinyl collection, technic turntables, tan-coloured booth seating and an extensive list of Japanese-inspired cocktails, there really is something for everyone. Not to mention the giant bronze speakers occupying each corner of the room, creating a surround sound-system of good tunes and good vibes.
And now they are trying their hand at the banquet experience, offering a three-course lunch every Friday through to Sunday from $49pp—that's what we call value for your money, or should we say mochi. From 12pm-3pm, you can tuck into a menu designed to ignite all the senses, with entrees of edamame seasoned with salt and vinegar, namero snapper with wasabi leaf and ruby ponzu, and vegetable dumplings with a chilli crunch.
Moving onto the main event, grilled chicken topped with enoki mushroom and fermented seaweed tare is paired with charred cabbage and Ruby My Dear's famous fries and miso mayo sauce for the perfect combination (at least in our opinion). For those seeking a palate cleanser or simply something sweet, bite into freshly made and delicious chewy mochi to top it all off.
If you are enjoying yourself a little too much and are not ready to leave just yet, you can always stick around to watch DJs spin some decks from 2pm-6pm on a Sunday at Super Friends. We’re talking grilled sticks, overflowing spritz and good, good hits. Basically more food, more alcohol, and more music—do we have to say more?
We know you are already sending messages to all your friends, so to save you a little time, you can book your table here.
Image credit: Ruby My Dear | Supplied