Overview
Southbank has scored a bustling venue that brings a new take on ‘Lebo-terranean’ cuisine to Melbourne. Bar Bouni blends the comfort of traditional Lebanese hospitality with the flavours of the Mediterranean to create a bold menu and a laidback, yet welcoming venue.
Bar Bouni is the latest venture from hospitality group Tommy Collins, drawing on its founder Ben Avramides’ ‘Lebo-terranean’ heritage. With the new restaurant, he continues a legacy of hospitality in his family that dates back to the 1950s. His grandfather operated a popular pastry shop, followed by his father, who ran other beloved venues in Sydney that attracted diners from across the city for lively dinners and a taste of genuine Lebanese hospitality.
Jessica Mantilla takes the lead in the kitchen, putting her own spin on the humble rotisserie, with dishes such as juicy harissa chicken, crispy crackling pork belly, and tender, charry cauliflower with almond tarator and curry leaves. The rotisserie dishes are amped-up with Bar Bouni’s signature and complimentary sauces, including garlic toum, herbaceous zhoug, and rich and flavourful muhammara. Don’t skip the ‘sharik’ (‘accompaniments’), like the pickled vegetables with sumac labneh, za’atar flatbread with hot honey, eggplant skewers with green tahini, and seasonal fattoush.
Drinks are in the experienced hands of Bar Manager Federico Soligno from Vue De Monde, who oversees a considered, modern wine list and selection of fresh cocktails. Jewel-toned features and inviting, rich velvet set the tone for a space that is theatrical, yet generous and approachable.
Images: Supplied.
Dining and Cooking