Archie Green

At 10 Katherine Place, in what used to be an abandoned office, sits Paul Hourigan’s ‘love letter to Melbourne’ — Archie Green. With two large-scale wall murals by Elle Street Art, the concrete floors and neon-green sign of Archie Green give off that super kewl Melbourne vibe. But this isn’t the best part. (Unless you’re a sucker for amazing interior design.)

Hourigan’s decade of experience in the Australian hospitality landscape, combined with head chef Gomez Braham’s 20 years of working in kitchens across Europe, Asia, and Australia (that’s 30 years of experience altogether! #QuickMaths), have combined to create Melbourne’s newest restaurant and bar, inspired by the most liveable city in the world.

This “hidden gem” eatery will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner – catering to early birds and night owls alike. Braham’s menu is European and Asian inspired, with a strong focus on Victoria’s seasonal produce. He and his team will also be producing a number of in-house canned antipasto items, like olives, candied spiced nuts and seafood.

With dishes like star anise cured swordfish with green and red tomatoes and crème fraiche, and the braised veal shin with chicken and mustard gravy, your tastebuds will be in foodie heaven. My pick? The five-spice donuts filled with chicken liver parfait along with a dollop of agave on top. Trust me – it works. 

I should mention that the breakfast menu isn’t your run of the mill, eggs benny with a hash brown type affair either. Braham will be wowing the brunch crowd with dishes like the blue swimmer crab scrambled eggs with wild rice, chilli crack and bean shoots. Too adventurous for you? Not to worry, classics like eggs on toast and bacon and egg toasties are still featured on the menu.

Did I hear you ask about brunch cocktails? Not to worry, the breakfast menu also includes the classic brunch Mimosa, as well as a Piña colada with Plantation Pineapple Rum, an apple & grapefruit Paloma, and a dark chocolate and honey Old Fashioned. Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to dine! 

If you’re not a fan of alcohol before noon, the drinks menu for the rest of the day still provides in abundance. Behind the bar, ex-Atlantic Sommelier Stuart Quinn has created a drinks list that sources wine, beer and spirits from smaller, unique producers. He has also collaborated with Braham and a local food scientist to create a series a Melbourne-themed cocktails, such as the Lygon Street Spritz, South Yarra Iced Tea, or Archie’s Ever-Changing Espresso Martini, which I think is a total winner idea, by the way. 

I could go on and on about the things that makes Archie Green a must-visit on your Melbourne food list, but I’m afraid I’d run out of words. You’ll have to go check it out for yourself – don’t forget to try the donuts!

Archie Green 
10 Katherine Place, Melbourne
Open 7 days, Monday to Friday, 7:30am to late, Saturday and Sunday, 8am to late
archiegreen.com.au