Arthur

Set menus are a wonderful thing. Forget food envy and choice paralysis—relax and let the chef take you and your date or fellow diners on a little culinary trip.

Such is the vibe at Arthur, a polished, warmly-lit restaurant tucked into the quiet and leafy end of Bourke Street. Chef Tristan Rosier spent time in the kitchen at Est., Biota and Dead Ringer, and his strictly seasonal menu consists of 10 courses (currently, it's $90 per person, with additional $69 for matching wines). There are two nightly seatings (6pm and 8.30pm) and lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 

You'll begin with Arthur's superstar sourdough and cultured butter, before moving on to things like scallop with finger lime and roe, Spangled Emperor fish with chestnut, shiitake and sorrel, or wagyu beef, carrot and bone marrow. Dessert might be a layered chocolate and passion fruit cake. Plates are small but stacked with flavour—you won't be overly full, or go home hungry. 

Wines are all from Australian minimal intervention, organic or organic-practicing winemakers. The Arthur team also makes their own house spritz, and like the menu—it changes with the seasons, being made from repurposed ingredients from the kitchen as part of the restaurant's goal to move towards zero waste. Other cocktails on offer include a Negroni and a G&T. 

If it's an impressive, quiet and seamless date spot you're after—Arthur should be top of your list. 

Lunchtime reservations are available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Head here to book. 

Image credit: Mitchell Fong