MELBOURNE | North&COMMON is a modern Australian restaurant housed in the former cafeteria of the heritage listed Pentridge Prison. It’s part of the Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Pentridge, along with wine bar Olivine, boutique hotel, The Interlude, and serviced apartments upstairs in a new tower. I was recently invited in to take a look.
The restaurant is full of character, with a fitout that respectfully integrates the heritage aspects of the space. Of particular note as you enter are the original bluestone walls, a 10 metre high ceiling, and restored cross timbers.
Head chef Abhi Dey (ex The Sugar Club in Auckland, Silvester’s in Sydney) has developed a produce driven, seasonally focused menu that showcases local ingredients and small producers. It’s a selection of small and large plates, easily enjoyed solo or to share.
Delicious things cooked over an open flame feature heavily on the menu. To start, try the brilliant charcoal grilled Fremantle octopus, mixed with sobrassada, fennel, potatoes, and cultured cream. For larger plates, the black garlic glazed 250g Scotch steak with herb jus, baby carrot, fried leek, and parsnip puree, is a great choice.
Fans of vegetables should try the crispy fried brussels sprouts with tamarind and kelp glaze, and the koshikari risotto with fire-roasted mushrooms and smoked mozzarella. Dietaries are well catered to, with indicators next to the description of each dish.
To drink, it’s the 500-strong wine list from adjacent bar, Olivine, along with that bar’s other selection of drinks. Speaking of which, I highly recommend visiting Olivine for a pre or post-dinner tipple in one of the bar’s former prison cells turned cosy booths.
North&COMMON is another feather in the cap for hotel restaurants in this Melbourne. The kind of place that’s worth visiting regardless of whether you’re staying at the hotel or not.
North&COMMON
1 Pentridge Boulevard
Coburg
Victoria 3058
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9100 9000
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Wed – Fri: 5:30pm to 11:00pm
Sat: 12:00pm to 11:00pm