Walter's Wine Bar

Ph: 9690 9211; Upper Level, Southgate, SOUTHBANK 3006 www.walterswinebar.com.au

Contemporary, $$ +, * for Ambience, Good Wine List
Open Mon-Fri 9am-late Sat-Sun 8am-late, Closed New Years Day; Licensed; AE DC MC V EFT
Chef Dane Shaw (5-12-08) Owner Philippa Shaw & Maria Bourke (5-12-08)

Mietta's Review
As the name suggests, the attraction here is liquid. Enjoy the very good list of wines by the bottle and glass, either in the intimate indoor space or on the balcony (especially good in warm weather). The menu is modern but not particularly adventurous. Order simply and drink extravagantly. And drink a toast to the recently departed Walter Bourke who will be sorely missed, but whose legacy must continue to be celebrated.

Other published opinions

Age Good Food Guide 2009 Score: 12.5/20 "Once upon a time - way back in the 1990s, when Southbank was a crazy experiment Walter's Wine Bar was name-checked as a leading exponent of the new hip. An all-day, latenight, cafebar-restaurant, it was a lesson in the lounge ethos"

Age Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 13/20 "Walter's has its bases covered: Arts Centre subscribers flock here for pre-theatre bites, locals show off Melbourne's river view to out-oftowners, while businessmen discuss KPIs and polished thirtysomethings lounge with cocktails in the bar nooks"

The Age Good Food Guide 2005 score 14/20 "LIFE goes on at Walter's. Even after the death in 2003 of guiding light Walter Bourke, and a serious fire in 2004, chefs in toques continue to toil, sommeliers to pour, and waiters to refold starched napkins, just as they have since the restaurant opened in 1992."

The Age, Agenda, 16/5/04,Roslyn Grundy,'It might be best known for its encyclopedic wine list,but there's another compelling reason to visit this veteran riverside brasserie:the raspberry souffle.Etheral in texture and intensely fruity in flavour,it is served with seed-flecked vanilla ice-cream and a jug of raspberry sauce.The savoury dishes aren't bad either.'

AGFG 2004, score 14/20, excellent wine list, excellent bar

Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Australi 2004, 1 Black Star, Excellent wine list,'this riverside restaurant is just as popular for a pre-theatre rendezvous as it is for meeting friends for a glass of wine after work.The menu is simple but has something for everyone...Walter's is a polished but friendly establishment, and the service is spot-on.'

The Age, Sunday Life, 28/9/03, John Lethlean,'This Southgate stayer is a wine-lover's security blanket,offering a fascinating selection by the glass, degustation 'flights' of grouped wines and some rare bottles from a vast collection.The food-and mood-has been better.'