Stokehouse Pasta & Bar

St Kilda dining, perfected—and completely stripped of the stiff formalities. The brilliantly laid-back counterpart to its famous upstairs sibling, Stokehouse Pasta & Bar drops a European-inspired, pasta-heavy menu right onto the sand. Melbourne’s coastal set makes a beeline here for breezy, sun-drenched lunches that stretch into dusk. Skip the white tablecloths. You’re here for the immaculate crab, garlic, and chilli spaghetti. Or those charcoal-blistered octopus and black garlic skewers. Pure la dolce vita. Word on the esplanade points to the kitchen's flawless execution—whether you're slicing into a premium MS 6-7+ Wagyu rump, twirling al dente rigatoni marinara, or devouring the chicken romesco. The vibe? Entirely senza pensieri—carefree, vibrant, effortlessly cool. Throw in a front-of-house crew known for going to absolute extremes to rescue a guest's day, and it's a no-brainer. Sunset drinks here aren't just a suggestion. They're mandatory.