Winning at the Melbourne Bottomless Brunch Scene – Half Acre brings together an amazing buffet spread, free flowing cocktails, wine, beer and mocktails, and to-order dishes, to make this one of Melbourne’s top destinations for those wanting a weekend-daytime-special occasion.
We were here for my friend’s birthday, and noted all the groups of women catching up with their friends, celebrating birthdays, and even a hen’s party – with only two male diners for the whole restaurant. How can not more men be into a bottles brunch like this!
The menu is extensive, and for vegetarians there are plenty of tasty options. I loved the corn ribs with garlic butter. Cut into strips, charred and flavoured, these were so tasty. The slow roasted cauliflower with whipped tahini and macadamia dukka, was also a hit – soft and almost caramelised into its flavours. Even the bread – cut into thick chunks and toasted – looked too good to resist.
The buffet is $69 per person, for a two -hour sitting. On top of the buffet, there is a suite of dishes to order, one per person. I opted for the Khachapuri (had never had one of these before and discovered it was like a Turkish pide). This was made fresh – you can see the chef making them behind the buffet – and was topped with braised kale, ricotta, mozzarella and a soft baked egg.
Desserts were a highlight (make sure you try the passionfruit curd!), so make sure you save room for those. The strawberries (whole and poached) and the brownie were so fun too.
For an extra $29 per person, you can add on cocktails, mocktails, wines and beer. I enjoyed my glass of prosecco, and tropical punch mocktail, but this was a bit lost on me – I just can’t drink that much during the day! – and would have been better off just getting a coffee (which is an additional charge to the Feast and Flow package.
The aspect is super lovely. You could be in the Yarra Valley, with the relaxed barn style interior with exposed brick and heavy wood, and a lovely view of the sun-filled garden.
Instead of abrasively kicking us out at the end of their two-hour session, we were invited to finish our drinks in the garden. With perfect weather for it, we relaxed for another hour, enjoying the afternoon.
Overall, I would rate the Feast and Flow at Half Acre a 10/10. The food was exceptional. I loved the atmosphere and the set-up, the service was attentive, and we had a great time. Next time, I probably wouldn’t add on the drinks package – but if you love your cocktails or mocktails, then it is definitely a worthwhile add on.
The Feast and Flow is on most weekends, but sometimes closed if they are running a private function. Check the website for dates and make sure you book in advance.
Half Acre
112 Munro Street
South Melbourne 3205
03 9999 1191
info@halfacre.com.au
www.halfacre.com.au