Bar Bouni: Where Lebo-Terranean Flavours Take Rotisserie Up a Notch

Born from a rich intercultural heritage tracing the Mediterranean’s vibrant flavours, Bar Bouni is the city’s newest destination for rotisserie chicken—and rotisserie everything else.

Led by Añada alumni Jessica Mantilla, the kitchen elevates the classic rotisserie, fusing traditional regional flavours with a contemporary twist—where smoky spice takes centre stage. Owner Ben Alvarides brings deep hospitality experience from his catering company Tommy Collins. Bar Bouni is an ode to his ancestry, bringing fiery flavours to Southbank’s Arts Precinct.

The venue’s story is woven through Alvarides’ family history, beginning with their migration from Lebanon. In the early 1900s, when some Greeks fled Turkey for Lebanon, they met locals and eventually emigrated to Australia in 1953.

Settling in Sydney’s Surry Hills, Avramides’ grandfather opened a pastry shop, and later his son founded Sydney institutions Emad’s and Hunna’s in the ’70s—restaurants synonymous with warm Lebanese hospitality. These rich traditions now return to Melbourne in the form of Lebo-terranean food—a coined term capturing the blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours, proudly rooted in Melbourne’s heart.

Flavour is the focus here. The kitchen serves up perfectly spiced harissa chicken by the half or whole, alongside pork belly with crackling perfected over generations. Vegetarians are well catered for with an eggplant skewer slathered in two beloved sauces—tahini and harissa.

The sauce line-up includes herbaceous zhoug, a garlic toum so good you could eat it by the spoonful, and muhammara, a smoky dip made from roasted red peppers.

Bar Manager Federico Soligno, with experience from Vue de Monde, curates a sharp, modern wine list and cocktails that celebrate Melbourne’s vibrant scene. Crisp wines paired with smoky rotisserie dishes are a winning combo you won’t want to miss.

Bar Bouni opened last week in the heart of the Southbank Arts Precinct. Whether you’re after a pre-show dinner or a culinary journey in its own right, this is where two of the world’s best food cultures meet—and we’re here for it.

You can visit Bar Bouni at 153 Sturt Street, Southbank, serving up bold Lebo-terranean rotisserie dishes and vibrant cocktails from Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm to 9pm.

Main Image Credit: Bar Bouni | Instagram