MELBOURNE | HERO at ACMI is a bar and eatery in Federation Square, that I recently visited for What’s On Melbourne. It’s from Karen Martini and Michael Gebran, and draws upon not just Martini’s background cooking Mediterranean and modern Australian food, but the duo’s love of cuisines from all over the world.
Being part of ACMI, the concepts of film, food and art inform the design of the restaurant. It’s a simple, open space, with splashes of colour, and artworks featuring icons of film and art.
The menu, designed by Martini, is driven by local, seasonal produce. The food showcases a cooking ethos of simply using and highlighting the absolute best of Victorian seasonal produce.
Like other recent openings in Federation Square (Big Esso by Mabo Mabo, Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters), HERO strives to be much more than it could get away with, given its central location in a tourist hot spot. It’s a fantastic restaurant that could stand on its own in any part of town. A place to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
The menu’s constantly evolving, but there are some signature items that are always there. Taramasalata with trout roe is served with a warm, almost pretzel-like Greek bagel with sesame seeds and is a must try. Tomato tonnato, with olives, capers, and basil is a winner on the summer menu. Whatever pasta is one when you visit, is also something you have to try.
For dessert, its things like tiramisu, and crème caramel with rum and raisins, On the drinks menu, it’s local beers and cocktails that twist the classics. The wine list features something for everyone, with quality bottles and by-the-glass options from around the world.
HERO at ACMI
Federation Square
Melbourne
Victoria 3004
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9964 2819
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Tue – Thu: 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Fri – Sat: 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Sun: 12:00pm to 4:00pm