Ruby Dining

THE VERDICT

Ruby Dining is an understatedly elegant diner in Melbourne’s mid-town, serving up a cornucopia of tasty snacks, clever entrees and larger plates, a la New York bistros.

On Queen Street, just moments away from the hustle and bustle of Little Bourke Street and Hardware Lane, the decidedly moody decor; think wood panelling off-setting the cream and deep crimson of the walls leaning into the restaurant’s name. 

The booths and tucked away tables are perfect for after work meals with colleagues in the know, or date-night when ambiance is key. 

The menu features the usual (and delicious) suspects like Wagyu rump cap or Angus bavette cuts and fries and innovative, tasty smaller bites like their one-shot chicken Caesar—tongue-in-cheek named a ‘Chicken Oyster’, named after the way you throw back the tasty little number.

The wine list traverses the country and has a number of slurping options and meatier reds from Victoria and South Australia to pair with the generous portions of steak featuring on the menu. 

From the cocktail menu you can grab a Cafe Negroni, a twist on a caffè corretto, an Italian drink consisting of espresso spiked with any kind of liquor at hand, a number of fun and fruity options, as well as your timeless classics.

Chef James Cornwall has a number of feathers in his hat, from fun and funky like Young Hearts in Prahran and Bonny in Fitzroy to Seville Estate in the Yarra Valley. He’s brought his A-game to this venue that takes you from day to night with European-style breakfast featuring a croque madame and a Hong Kong twist on french toast, made with shokupan.

Book your table here.

Image credit: Ruby Dining | Jana Langhorst