Ryne

The Verdict

Donovan Cooke is well known in the cooking world, and especially that particular world right here in Melbourne. His restaurant Est Est Est which has now been closed for over 15 years still cops a mention from those that were frequenting it at the time.

He’s also the mastermind behind Ondine and The Atlantic at Crown, and now we’ve got his latest creation in Fitzroy North—Ryne.

Ryne’s boasts a beautiful space, its brick wall showing the sign painted scars of the former life of the building next door. The chipped paint and enormous high ceilings, and exposed trusses make the venue feel huge but also intimate and warm at the same time.

The food line-up is a contemporary spin on classic French cuisine. Showcasing locally-sourced ingredients sourced by Donovan, the menu changes every two to three weeks to get the best bites of the season straight onto your plate, delivering on their promise to deliver a course ‘continuously moving onwards’. Whether you’re feasting on Donovan’s six-course degustation menu or dining a-la-carte, each visit will see you served up the latest and greatest. Be sure to book in soon, their limited-time Winter Black Truffle Menu Experience is not be missed. 

You’d be mad not to go a dessert while you’re there, we’d definitely recommend the valrhona chocolate soufflé, it is next level.

Image credit: Lisa Brooke