Melbourne’s West is about to become decidedly more Spanish thanks to its latest eatery. Sebastian, as its name suggests, is a restaurant dedicated to the fare of the Basque region, and comes courtesy of restaurateur Dave Parker, of Palermo, Asado, and Neptune fame, alongside childhood friend ALex Brawn. The eatery is housed within the landmark heritage hospitality building formerly known as Shelly’s Beach Pavilion and boasts the kind of seaside views you’d expect to find in the original San Sebastian, but without requiring the same airfare.

The historic building in which Sebastian resides has been reimagined by leading Melbourne design firm Ewert Leaf. Under the team’s care, the heritage Art-Deco building has welcomed a relaxed dining and waterfront deck with capacity for 250 guests, alongside additional events space. In terms of interiors, the casually elegant beachside space has embraced a palette of white, blue and oak timber, with textural materials interwoven throughout.

“Inspired by our favourite venues and dishes in San Sebastian, at Sebastian we are using local produce and simple ideas to bring our memories and dreams of charring, smoking and preserving to life,” explains Brawn of the all-day menu. Head chef Leigh Robbins has embraced the venue’s bespoke charcoal grill and cold smoker, and cured meat in-house, for the range of Basque-inspired dishes available. Think Huevos Rotos for breakfast (soft eggs with ribbons of jamon, shallots and chickpea tendrils served over hand-cut fries, with harissa ketchup) and pintxos for later in the day. Of course Spanish tipple also makes an appearance, with a lengthy selection of wines, vermouths, and cocktails, as well as sangria, which will be available on tap.

Sebastian is open daily from 10.00 am until late. Currently coffee and pastry are served at open but a brunch menu will shortly launch, for those rather more famished the full menu will be available from 12.00pm till late. 26 Esplanade, Williamstown, Victoria; sebastianbeachgrill.com.