Rockpool Bar & Grill

The Rockpool brand is about as strong a brand you can find in Australian dining, with the flagship Sydney venue — that's regularly voted in the top ten steakhouses in the world — opening back in 2009. Inspired by the great steakhouses of North America, Rockpool prides itself on sourcing its beef from the top providers in Australia — and when teamed up with its exceptional wine list, it's easy to see why its reputation is bulletproof.

While its big brother in Sydney hogs the limelight, the Melbourne restaurant by no means lives in its shadow, with a style and reputation all its own. Located within the Crown Casino complex, the venue itself is elegant and stylish, with wooden finishes throughout and wood-panelled walls that seem to add flavour to the beef. The chefs also perform in an open kitchen, adding an element of theatricality.

The Melbourne Rockpool menu begins with snacks and cold starters such as a caviar bar complete potato crisps and condiments, as well as a yellowfin tartare with black sesame and Davidson plum. Hot starters include whole grilled king prawns, woodfired wagyu chorizo and grilled octopus with chimichurri. Mains have something for everyone, with the menu featuring easily accessible favourites such as grilled lamb rump, Tasmanian rock lobster and a wild green spanakopita.

The woodfire grill is where Rockpool made its name though, and features cuts from Australian producers such as Blackmore, Cape Grim and Robbins Island — you can rest assured you're getting the finest cuts on the market. The Blackmore dry aged scotch 9+ is aged for 30 days and is just about the perfect cut of meat, while the Coppertree Farms rib eye on the bone is aged for 32 days and is incredibly succulent. Pair your beef with condiments including mustards and a jalapeño hot sauce, as well as sides including padron peppers, roasted brussels sprouts and sautéed potatoes with garlic, rosemary and wagyu fat.

Equally as impressive as the woodfire grill, is the wine list — that one of their professional sommeliers will guide you through. There's everything, from a light Huon Valley pinot noir by the glass to a $57,000 bottle of Chateau Haut-Brion from 1982.

While Rockpool in Melbourne is certainly fancy, and you'll want to dress sharp for it, it's not too exclusive for the average Joe. Circle the next special date on the calendar and make a booking. Just be sure to bring your appetite.