Patsy’s

In 2022, restaurateur Mathew Guthrie put down his roots in Melbourne’s CBD with Patsy’s – his first vegetarian venture, with a European-focused wine list. Guthrie himself has been vegan for more than 25 years and knows the cuisine well.

The vegetarian menu is largely inspired by Mediterranean wine culture, with ingredients sourced from Guthrie’s farm in Daylesford and vendors from the Queen Vic Markets. Dishes are made to complement the wines with up to 18 by-the-glass drops to choose from. Plus, the wine selection is predominantly vegan.

Expect smaller plates such as the pinzimonio di verdure (fresh vegetables dipped in olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper) served with a hazelnut and olive bagna cauda (traditionally made with anchovies), and pickled veg crudites from the Piedmont region – best enjoyed with a glass of Piedmont gavi di gavi. If you’ve got more of an appetite, you might order the empanada gallega – a fino pastry filled with potato and tomato, served with a classic Mediterranean sofrito sauce and Mezcla Curado cheese.

You can sit downstairs at one of the terrazzo tables, handmade in Melbourne by Mortadello, or enjoy your vino in a hidden nook in the rear courtyard. There’s also an intimate upstairs dining area – which is decorated with modern artworks alongside the original hand-painted walls and period lighting fixtures.

The two-storey, art deco building is just opposite the Queen Victoria Market, and it still retains its 1920s charm through glimpses of its original architecture.