On a visit to Melbourne recently to be a guest judge for the WhichCar Style Awards, I had the pleasure of staying within the Collins St precinct and dining at Hazel. Hazel opened on Monday the 14th of October 2019, alongside its late-night sister venue, Dessous, which opened 1 week later on Monday the 21st of October. Both venues are due to the vision of The Mulberry Group, an Australian powerhouse hospitality group who are continuing to up the hospitality ante.
Hazel is located inside the iconic T&G Building at 164 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. It is open Monday – Saturday for lunch from 12pm to 4pm and for dinner from 6.00pm – 11.00pm and for Sunday lunches from 12pm – 4.00pm. Hazel will be paring back the dining experience to something that is approachable yet refined.
“We want our produce to speak for itself” says Head Chef Zac Nicholson (previously Rockpool Bar & Grill), “We have a great relationship with our suppliers and want to represent their product as best we can. We will be creating dishes that we like to eat, that are simple and approachable and add to the overall guest experience.”
The kitchen is also equipped with a wood-fired grill and oven, using Australian grown ironbark wood to add an extra element of complexity in flavour to the local, seasonal produce. Expect an extensive wine list of upwards of 120 bottles from near and far, with something to please everybody. There will also be a concise cocktail menu as well as a beer selection from local breweries.
The space, by The Stella Collective, is light and airy. It has been designed to make you feel at ease, with large south facing windows allowing an abundance of natural light to filter in with beautiful polished floors, natural linens and soft curves; with a level of restraint allowing the food experience to be front and centre.
“We want people to come and gather at Hazel, to enjoy an abundance of beautiful produce with their friends and loved ones” says owner Nathan Toleman. “We wanted to bring the hospitality experience back to the things the that really matter; exceptional food, wine, service and happy customers.”
My Fave Bit
What’s not to love about Hazel, from the clean pared back interiors, to the excellent wine list and service, there is definitley something here for everyone.
Worth a mention is the smoked fish and caper spread on toast, duck liver pate and cherries on toast and Cape Grim Grassfed Scotch Fillet.
How Much
Prices range from $5-$17 for Entres, and $21-$47 for Mains.
Hazel
164 Flinders Lane, Melbourne,
Levels 1 & 2
Monday – Saturday: Lunch 12-4pm, Dinner 6-11pm
Sunday: Lunch 11am-5pm
Bookings via www.hazelrestaurant.com.au
Function enquiries welcome.
Telephone 03 9070 4938
@hazel_melbourne
Words by Arrnott Olssen
