LOCATION
A stone’s throw from the action at the “Paris end” of Melbourne’s Bourke Street.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
One of Melbourne’s oldest dining establishments, this restaurant was reinvented under the name Society in 2007, featuring an exuberant atmosphere and an unpretentious, traditional menu. The décor alone makes for pleasurable dining; from the informal, light dining room through to the plush surrounds of Rino’s Room. The menu here tends towards straightforward, classic Italian dishes.
Perfectly grilled calamari with chilli and radicchio, or mozzarella roulade with baby basil and roma tomatoes make a fresh and pleasing start. Follow with homemade pasta, or try the risotto in a beetroot and Barolo reduction with pan-fried quail and roast pork. Mains such as grilled spatchcock, wagyu sirloin or rack of lamb are simply presented yet with a combination of fine flavours. Desserts continue the classic theme – sample the zabaglione or pannacotta, or try chocolate ravioli filled with vanilla bean custard and served with a bittersweet chocolate sauce. Portions are unfailingly generous, and the service is professional and knowledgeable. There is an extensive range of Australian and regional Italian wines, many by the glass. Finish off your meal with a contemplative grappa, or venture up the stairs to High Society salon bar and round off the evening in style.
Angela Costanzo
DETAILS
After going through numerous reincarnations since its opening as the Italian Working Men’s Club in 1925, Society has been reborn once more under the experienced eye of the DiMattina Group – hospitality managers who have shown a flair for sensational Italian dining in their thriving restaurants all over Melbourne. Lively, lavish interiors celebrate the building’s history, and lets Society impress local aficionados as well as curious visitors looking for a memorable night out in Melbourne.
Upstairs from the bright, airy dining area awaits Society’s vampy evening cocktail area. The High Society Bar offers dimly lit nooks and seductive sofas where patrons can relax and indulge in an aperitif or two. The Secret Society lounge is even more swish, offering an eclectic vintage-style space in which to enjoy intimate conversations and laughs late into the night.
FUNCTIONS
From corporate dinners to elegant cocktail parties, product launches and seminars, Society offers a unique setting and can cater to groups of up to 300 guests. The top level function room, ‘Secret Society’, has a capacity of 100 banquet-style and for sit-down dinners up to 50 guests. On the ground floor ‘Rino’s Room’ is ideal for more intimate dinners, with a maximum capacity of 50 guests.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Gourmet Italian classics are executed with contemporary flair at Society. Start off meals with tempting antipasti dishes, such as the terrine of cured salmon, tuna and braised fennel served with squid ink crostini, then move onto hearty pasta and risotto, meaty main courses and delicious desserts. The food is accompanied by an excellent wine local and imported list which offers drops by the glass or carafe, as well as an extensive range of cocktails.