Speakeasy Kitchen and Bar

This addition to Chapel Street sees a classic name attached to a deceptive space. Speakeasy differs from the type of bar it was named after, as it's completely legal and isn’t much of a secret. The small entrance, however, is a deceptive one. The only three-metre wide shopfront gives way to a space, designed by Eon Architects, that features a smart dining room and large wooden outer-terrace.

The pair behind Speakeasy are brothers, Petros and Alexis Lambis, both first-time restaurateurs who were living overseas for several years before returning to Melbourne when the building (built in 1885) became untenanted. They have taken on Robert Burgio and Manny Giliberto (who are business partners in The Deck restaurant at Southgate) as consultants to assist them in the set up of the business.

The kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is based around simple French bistro classics; items like duck and mushroom pie or pear tarte tatin. Coffee is by Dukes and the cocktail list provides a modern twist on it prohibition-era inspired selection.