Meatmaiden

Melbourne, meet Meatmaiden

There’s another meaty mistress in our midst. Meatmaiden opens her doors on Little Collins.

Richmond barbeque restaurant Meatmother has herself a swanky new city-slicking sister, who you’ll find in the basement the Georges Building on Little Collins Street. Meatmaiden is a little more refined than her unruly older sib, presenting as an abattoir with ambiance.

The dimly lit dining hall makes no secret of its specialties, with wall-mounted axes, hooked carcasses and a virtually throbbing, red-lit ‘Heart’ sign above the very comprehensive (undeniably bourbon biased) bar at its… heart.

A lowly vegetarian (poised to bolt), I was pleasantly surprised with the range of pescetarian and vego options the menu allowed. My date (a carnivore for the cause) made up for our collective shortcomings by taking in the full spectrum of steak ­– including 20-hour Rangers Valley wagyu brisket (tickled pink with native Tassie pepper-berry rub) and O’Connor pasture-fed flat iron steak.

Even the accompanying dishes (be they kipfler chips or pickled heirloom veg) have a satisfyingly smoky taste. And there’s definitely a Southern slant to this joint, with tequila mayo lashed fried-chicken ribs, lobster mac n’ cheese and beef jerky a ‘plenty.

Word on the (chopping) block for your serious meat lovers – order the Maiden’s Mood for an all-out smorgasbord fresh off the grill.

Meatmaiden
195 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Open Tue – Sat for lunch and dinner
meatmaiden.com.au