Copycat Bar & Restaurant

Restaurateurs Zac and Nick Beerens (Mammoth) grew up in Elsternwick, and as kids, they’d often see films at Classic Cinemas. When they grew up, they’d visit After the Tears next door for cocktails. So, when that Polish eatery closed in 2020, the pair found it only fitting to snag the spot and open Copycat, a sultry neighbourhood bar and restaurant that fills the gap and then some.

Not only is Copycat an attractive pre- or post-movie proposition, it’s also got date nights and special occasions covered. Executive chef Kevin Middleton (ex-Donovans, Naked for Satan) has created a menu to suit all moods, whether it’s date-friendly snacks in the casual bar or larger dishes to share in the curvaceous dining room.

You might start with Japanese scallops with ’nduja dressing, salt bush and finger lime; or grilled king prawns with green chermoula and lemon. Follow with large plates such as herb and ricotta gnocchi with wild nettle pesto, peas, goats curd and pine nuts; and a Southern Ranges scotch fillet with potato terrine and herb butter. For dessert, it’s Bombe Alaska with salted macadamia parfait and chocolate.

On the drinks menu, the Velvet Fog is an absinthe and melon-liqueur cocktail locals may remember from After the Tears. Accompanying it are equally bright and playful drinks including the house Margarita, shaken with tequila, ginger liqueur, lime and passionfruit pulp.