It’s hard to think of a venue that embodies what’s so great about dining in Melbourne more than Saint Crispin.

It’s got owner-operators in the kitchen, a hip locale; the always busy, quietly stylish dining room filled with a broad cross section of eaters who come for two or three courses of refined, sublime, contemporary fare.

Scott Pickett (Estelle in Northcote) has teamed with Joe Grbac in this, their first joint venture, and while it’s Joe in the kitchen, the duo’s time spent together cooking at The Square in London is seen throughout the menu that shows serious fine dining flair – technique, produce, plating – without the stuffy air.

Showing allegiance to no country nor cuisine, you might find an exquisite scallop and prawn tortellini to start followed by miso-rich pork served with a plucky nashi kimchi; parmesan gnocchi served with swordfish, or kangaroo dressed with rosella.

Though wherever you look you’ll see a celebration of produce with clever cooking at every turn. Wines are equally on point – succinct, judicious and curated with the quirky in mind – it’s a list the brevity of which belies the amount of thought put into its creation, and, while you can push the boat out with serious big hitters, there’s great drinking to be found in the shallow section, too.

Two years on, Saint Crispin is standing proud, the patron saint of cobblers walking tall and confidently to its own beat. It’s really is one of our greats.

Social feed