MELBOURNE | When you’re a fine dining chef working at Gimlet, and you pivot to sandwiches (and unexpectedly help to start a trend) during lockdown, what’s the next step? For chef Raphael Exton Pery, the answer is JollyGood Diner.
Whereas sister venue JollyGood Sandwiches (now JollyGood Junior), focuses on sandwiches, Jolly Good Diner is a take on the classic US diner, with a dash of Melbourne wine bar, and contemporary flair. There’s booths, there’s a communal table with high seating, and a long bar with stools.
It makes for a casual, approachable, fun spot that’s open from morning through lunch and into the night. it’s a space that works whether you’re popping in for a coffee and bite to-go before work, lunch with a colleague, or dinner and drinks with friends.
The menu features diner favourites, informed by Raph’s travels through the US, refined by his experience working in some of Melbourne’s top kitchens. At breakfast, there’s things like buttermilk pancake stacks with maple syrup, butter, and maple bacon; a grilled three cheese toastie; and a breakfast sandwich filled with fried egg, maple bacon, a hash brown, and sauce.
At lunch and into the evening, you’ll find things like JollyGood’s signature French dip sandwich; a stacked New York deli sandwich; and two burgers. One contains a smashed beef patty that’s grilled with Raph’s excellent curry ketchup, while the other features a thicker beef patty.
If you have a sweet tooth, there’s doughnuts, root beer floats, and a rotating selection of daily pies, with flavours like key lime, apple, and cherry. To drink, its coffee by Supreme (yes you can opt for unlimited refills), house beer on tap brewed by The Mill Brewery around the corner, fun wines, and house cocktails. Try JollyGood’s take on the Arnold Palmer – peach iced tea with lemonade and bourbon.
JollyGood Diner
27 Johnston Street
Collingwood
Victoria 3066
Australia
Telephone: n/a
E-mail: n/a
Website
Open
Mon – Wed: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Thu: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Fri – Sat: 9:00am to 11:00pm
Sun: 9:00am to 4:00pm