Strato Melbourne

Just under a year ago, Milk Bar was exclusively invited to the opening of Sky Bar and its extended restaurant, Strato. Perched 40 floors above ground with a 360 view of the city, it quickly became one of Melbourne’s top fine dining establishments. Much like the city it floats above, the venue was begging for a rebranding after emerging from the pandemic, and General Manager, Christian Sujer listened. Merging its two sections into one, the city’s best multi-sensorial experience transformed into the now elegantly titled, Strato Melbourne. With its fresh face has come a delectable new food menu, a wider array of cocktails and wine options, and a minimised price list.

Strato Melbourne is a sight to behold before patrons are even guided to their table. On entry, guests are welcomed by staff to enjoy a pre-dinner drink at a 16-metre stone bar with an illuminated glass brick frame, that is furnished with dim mood lighting, plush decor and elegant lounges to relax in. Guests are then lead to the restaurant area, and seated alongside 7-metre tall glass windows with incredible night views of the Yarra, Port Phillip Bay and the city skyline. “Strato Melbourne is a must for anyone who is looking for an authentic Melbourne dining experience,” says Christian Sujer. “Our vision for this venue has been to show off our amazing city in all its glory. You can expect great food, a creative drinks list and a front-row seat to an undeniably spectacular city skyline.”

Strato Melbourne’s new menu offers simple but elegant options for all levels of hunger. From appetisers, small shared dishes, mains and grilled options, we knew no bounds and fell victim to the to the rumbling growls of I just want to try everything. Well the chefs heeded our call, with the menu offering a LEAVE IT TO US option, offering to feed me a little or feed me a lot. Unsurprisingly, we chose the latter.

The first round of dishes were exquisite. The Mushroom and Green Pea Arancini with truffle aioli were the quickest to disappear, followed by the Duck Terrine with puy lentils and seeded mustard vinaigrette; Artisan Bread with confit garlic butter; and the Blackman Bay Oysters. As someone who has fought the good fight against oysters her whole life, I sucked it up (pardon the pun) for this one occasion, and was pleasantly surprised by their balanced and enjoyable favour. Decades of hard work by my mother were overrun in one night by Strato Melbourne’s top chefs.

Following the entrees, we were then each served Charred Chicken with Pearl Cous Cous and curry sauce, with Riverina Angus Porterhouse to share. While our hearts were still with the earlier dishes, both mains were cooked to perfection and oozed rich flavours and garnishes. The dessert that followed, the Chocolate Sorbet served with passionfruit curd and hazelnut cream, then melted our hearts and minds, as well as ourselves into the plush seating when we finally succumbed to our food comas. This, mixed with a few glasses of wine and one or two highly recommended Moondance cocktails, and we were in heaven (again with the pun, apologies).

Strato Melbourne’s fresh new facelift was a knockout, and it can’t be recommended enough for your next night of indulgence.

Strato Melbourne
40/202 Normanby Rd, Southbank, 3006