Hotel Nacional

THE VERDICT

Celiacs, rejoice. Newcomer Hotel Nacional's main schtick is an entirely gluten-free offering. It’s from the many brains behind Repeat Offender and Rufio, two Latin American-leaning restaurants known for ridding gluten from the kitchen. But with both those out in Elwood and St Kilda respectively, it was only a matter of time before the crew brought their signature flair to the CBD. And after having their eye on the former Campari House place for well over a year, the doors for Hotel Nacional are now open.

Sergio Tourn has left his post at Brunswick's Tino to make magic on Hardware Lane, leading a larger kitchen team as Head Chef. For Hotel Nacional, Tourn is taking Mexican flavours and the gluten-free ethos to bang out some seriously creative plates. Take the cauliflower tofu escabeche for instance—a playful combo of textures offering the silkest of smooth tofu, a decent crunch from the sprinkling of peanuts, and packing in a punch right at the end with the salsa macha. 

Did we mention there’s multiple levels to Hotel Nacional? A one-stop-shop for eating, drinking, and good times. Step into the restaurant on the ground floor for indoor and outdoor seating options, then climb those stairs to find a smaller dining room on the second floor with a dedicated bar. Keep going up and up to be rewarded with two cheerful rooftop bars awaiting you, boasting some of the impressive cityscape views of Melbourne. The first bar is where much of the excitement happens, fitting a decent 100 guests (standing), while the second nook is a more intimate 30-person space. 

The drinks follow the same playful ethos as the kitchen. Expect no less than ten variations of margaritas up for grabs, and several more house cocktails, including a cheeky tepache martini. Plenty of beers are pouring straight from the keg by the pot and pint, and the usual suspects are across the wine options.

Go get it, seven days a week.

Image credit: Hotel Nacional | Supplied