Vesper Bistro and Bar

Derived from the Greek word Hespera (meaning evening star), Vesper Bistro & Bar is inspired by the tradition of gathering people together under the evening sky in devotion to good food and good times. Mysterious, chic and romantic, it also has links to the James Bond martini and the beautiful character Vesper Lynd.  

Entering through the street-front elegant glass foyer, immediately you are transported to another world – something all of us need and deserve right now! Conveniently located on Melbourne’s iconic Toorak Road, Vesper Bistro & Bar is winning the hearts and minds of all who visit. With decor and food inspired by the Mediterranean, world-class hospitality, and divine beverages, the Vesperience is an absolute must for all.  

From aesthetics to the ambience, Vesper hasx everything. The Agean flair is threaded throughout the whitewashed walls and vibrant hues, the marble-topped dining tables adjoined with the most comfortable rich, brown velvet banquettes, and of course, the feature wall decorated with Christian Lacroix wallpaper. 

Opened in early 2021, owners, passionate restaurateurs and power-couple, Duncan and Marlane Fraser-Smith state, ‘everything we created at Vesper is what we love and what we enjoy, whether it’s the decor, the food, the wine, or the atmosphere … It’s all been with the view that if we were going to go out for dinner, this is where we would want to go.’ 

Marlane takes great pride in what she does, spending time visiting each table and connecting with her guests providing a service that resembles more of a friend hosting a dinner party than the “typical” restaurant owner. 

From world-renowned establishments such as New York’s Per Se and Melbourne’s Vue Du Monde, Chef Francesco Castellana leads the culinary direction at Vesper Bistro and dining, serving dishes that reflect light overtones, plates full of colour, attention to composition and food that will engage all of the senses. 

For the perfect dining experience, make sure you start with the fresh Mussels escabeche with tarragon and black garlic fougasse and the Hiramasa kingfish crudo with spicy citrus salad. Next, Vesper’s specialty, the open Spanakopita, quite literally bursts with flavour and simply cannot be missed. Be sure to accompany your entrees with A Mediterranean Vesper Martini (Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin, Beluga Noble Vodka with rosemary and thyme) or treat yourself to a luxe La Perle Rouge (Bloody Shiraz Gin, Creme de Cacao, lemon, egg white & caviar). 

The Red Snapper Fillet with potato puree, olives, and salmoriglio is a literal dream. This dish is completely mind-blowing. The O’Connor slow-cooked short rib, with mushrooms and cipollini onions, is utterly mouth-watering and is a must for all food connoisseurs. To conclude your meal, make sure to make room for the warm mulled wine pear Tatin, which comes paired with homemade date ice cream. 

Like owners Marlane and Duncan, restaurant manager Valeria (Val) Uboldi’s hospitality is impeccable, and her knowledge of wine is exceptional. Val is on hand and ready to assist in pairing a range of wines, both local and international, which complement your palate journey to perfection. 

Don’t forget to visit Vesper’s secret green room, another more secluded dining area nestled towards the back of the restaurant. This space is adorned with aqua velvet banquettes, another bar and a stunning alfresco Tuscan courtyard, complemented by a gorgeous fountain. 

If you’re looking for an experience like no other, here it is, Vesper Bistro & Bar. 

Are you ready for your Vesperience?  

Vesper Bistro & Bar
25 Toorak Road, South Yarra, 3141
Dinner: Open Wednesday to Saturday, 5:30pm till late; Lunch: Open Friday to Sunday, 12pm–3pm
vesperbistroandbar.com.au