Located in the heart of Melbourne’s legal district, Saxe has decided to loosen its tie and removed the wig and robes, launching a laidback, come-as-you-are eatery in its bar area downstairs. Diners will now be able to choose between an elevated a la carte experience upstairs or something more casual and affordable below.

Chef and owner Joe Grbac, formerly of Saint Crispin and The Press Club, has put together a special menu for Saxe Kitchen based around small plates and sharing. Adding to the convivial atmosphere, an open kitchen will whip up inspired snacks like gnocchi with pork ragu, a beef cheek and noodle broth, comté crumpets and single origin chocolate mousse. “Saxe kitchen is about sharing. The food is what I love to cook
 at home. Seasonal, simple, tasty and as always ingredient driven,” says Grbac.

Curated by Alice Williams, the former manager at Brae, the drinks list will be made up of minimal intervention wines by the glass and a short selection of aperitif-style cocktails.

Contrasting with the dark woods, royal blue banquettes and steel fixtures upstairs, Saxe Kitchen will be fitted out with timber communal tables and leather stool seating, with views out to the street.

Saxe Kitchen is located on the ground floor of 211 Queen Street, Melbourne. The eatery will be open for lunch Tue – Fri 12pm – 3pm and dinner Tue – Sat 5pm – late. For details or to book, head to saxe.com.au.