When it comes to unforgettable dining in Melbourne, Aru Restaurant stands out as a favorite for locals and tourists. Nestled on Little Collins Street, this restaurant offers a perfect mix of bold flavors, fire-cooked dishes, and Asian-inspired cuisine with a modern Australian twist. If you are searching for a place that blends authentic taste with creativity, then Aru is exactly what you need.
Right from the first step inside, the ambiance captures your attention. The earthy interiors, long kitchen hearth, and open-fire setup bring a warm, cozy feeling. It is not just a place to eat; it is a place to feel connected to food, culture, and design. Much like checking the Supper Inn Menu for a comforting Chinese meal, Aru gives you that same sense of excitement and discovery.
What is Aru Restaurant?
Aru Restaurant is a modern Asian-Australian dining spot located in Melbourne, known for its bold flavors and wood-fired cooking techniques. Inspired by the ancient trade routes of the Aru Islands, the restaurant blends Southeast Asian traditions with native Australian ingredients. Led by Chef Khanh Nguyen, Aru offers a creative menu that highlights fermentation, smoking, and open-fire grilling. With its earthy interior, dramatic open kitchen, and carefully curated dishes, it delivers a unique dining experience that celebrates both cultural heritage and modern culinary innovation.
What Makes Aru Restaurant Special?
The centerpiece of Aru is its wood-fired kitchen, stretching over 16 meters. It is open for diners to view the action, adding a sense of drama to your meal. The chefs use fire to grill, roast, and smoke dishes, adding a depth of flavor that is hard to beat.
Tables are arranged to offer both privacy and a sense of community. Whether you’re on a date or with friends, the setting feels just right. The vibe is upscale yet relaxed. The staff is friendly and quick, making sure your time here is smooth and enjoyable.
Popular Dishes That You Must Try
The menu at Aru is always changing, but there are some favorite dishes that many return for. Let’s take a look at a few signature items that describe what makes this place so unique:
Duck Sausage Sanga
A playful twist on the Aussie sausage sandwich, this dish features juicy duck sausage with honey and peanut hoisin.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Duck sausage on milk bread with peanut hoisin and leatherwood honey |
| Taste Profile | Sweet, smoky, savory; inspired by Aussie sausage sizzle |
| Price | $18 AUD |
Pâté en Croûte (Bánh Mì Style)
This dish combines French pastry technique with Vietnamese flavors, stuffed with pork, pickles, and pâté.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | French-style meat pastry with Vietnamese bánh mì flavors |
| Taste Profile | Rich, flaky, umami-packed with pork, pickles, and pâté |
| Price | $34 AUD |
Clay-Pot Broken Rice with Pork Cheek
Slow-braised pork cheek rests over broken rice with sausage, egg yolk, and herbs.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Braised pork cheek, sausage, and yolk served over crisped broken rice |
| Taste Profile | Hearty, smoky, comforting with Asian herbs and savory layers |
| Price | $34 AUD |
Kaya & Koji Waffles
Crispy waffles infused with kaya coconut jam and fermented koji for a funky-sweet finish.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Fermented koji and coconut kaya jam waffles with toppings |
| Taste Profile | Sweet, soft, crispy; Southeast Asian dessert flair |
| Price | $24 AUD |
Scorched Pavlova with Vietnamese Coffee
This dessert offers a caramelized meringue with creamy layers and a hit of bitter-sweet Vietnamese coffee. Light, rich, and unforgettable.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Caramelized meringue with creamy center and bitter-sweet coffee glaze |
| Taste Profile | Light, crispy, rich with a punch of bold Vietnamese coffee |
| Price | $22 AUD (approx.) |
Spanner Crab Fried Rice
Tossed over high heat with native herbs and fresh crab, this rice dish is aromatic and full of ocean flavor. The wok hei brings it all together.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Crab meat tossed with jasmine rice, wok-seared with native herbs |
| Taste Profile | Ocean-fresh, aromatic, lightly spicy |
| Price | $36 AUD (approx.) |
Raw Beef with Macadamia and Salted Chilli
Thin slices of beef are topped with crushed macadamia and spicy chili oil. It’s crunchy, creamy, and spicy in every bite.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Sliced raw beef topped with crushed nuts and spicy chilli oil |
| Taste Profile | Crunchy, creamy, spicy and fresh |
| Price | $28 AUD (approx.) |
Smoked Scallops with Citrus Dressing
Scallops are gently smoked and finished with a zesty dressing and herbs. The balance of smoke, sweetness, and acidity makes it shine.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Gently smoked scallops paired with citrus vinaigrette |
| Taste Profile | Bright, briny, smoky and light |
| Price | $30 AUD (approx.) |
Wagyu Tongue Saté
Tender wagyu tongue is grilled and glazed with satay sauce, offering rich, fatty textures.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Chargrilled wagyu tongue skewers glazed in satay sauce |
| Taste Profile | Tender, nutty, grilled, and rich in fat |
| Price | $26 AUD (approx.) |
Cured Kingfish with Pickled Apple
This chilled dish pairs buttery fish with tangy pickled apple and native greens. It’s bright, fresh, and perfect as a starter.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Chilled kingfish slices with tart pickled apple and native greens |
| Taste Profile | Fresh, zesty, buttery, clean |
| Price | $32 AUD (approx.) |
Every dish brings new flavors and textures. The use of native herbs, spices, and local produce makes the food not just tasty but also sustainably sourced and health-conscious.
Design and Atmosphere of Aru Restaurant
The design of Aru is the result of work by top architects. The use of terracotta tiles, native wood, and curved walls gives the place a natural, calming feel. There’s a mix of open and closed spaces, with some tables near the fire for an extra cozy feel.
The large kitchen and fire setup is the star of the show. Watching your meal get prepared in real-time adds excitement. Just like when browsing the Wendy’s Australia Menu, every option on the Aru menu has something interesting to offer, whether you’re into meats, veggies, or seafood.
Opening Closing Timing
Here are the opening and closing times for Aru in Melbourne, as well as delivery information:
Based on official sources and the restaurant’s listings:
| Day | Lunch Service | Dinner Service |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | — | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday–Saturday | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Closed |
Delivery Information
Aru does not offer delivery through its official channels. Their operating model focuses on in-house dining with a curated service experience. There is no mention of delivery hours or partners like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, or DoorDash on their site or listing pages
Location of Aru
Here are the location details for Aru presented as a simple list:
- Street Address: 268 Little Collins Street
- Suburb / Area: Melbourne CBD
- State & Postcode: Victoria, 3000
- City: Melbourne
- Country: Australia
What People Say About Aru Restaurant
The reviews from critics and customers are glowing. Many have called it one of Melbourne’s best restaurants. Food bloggers love its creativity. Tourists say it’s a must-visit spot. Locals keep coming back for the flavors they can’t find elsewhere.
Popular review sites like Broadsheet, Gourmet Traveller, and Delicious.com.au have featured Aru in their top picks. It has even been listed on Melbourne’s Hot List and earned iconic status for its quality and innovation.
Owners of Aru
Here are the names associated with the ownership and leadership of Aru in Melbourne:
- Adipoetra (Adi) Halim — owner through the Windsor Hotel Group, which operates Aru as part of its hospitality ventures
- Khanh Nguyen — co‑owner and executive chef during Aru’s early years until mid‑2023
- Nico Koevoets — current executive (head) chef overseeing culinary operations under Halim’s ownership
Customer Reviews
Here are a selection of Google Reviews for Aru, taken from actual diners on Google Maps and review sites:
- “Every dish was both familiar and creative, perfectly blending Chinese and Western elements in both flavor and presentation. … The dessert is especially worth recommending—the chocolate mousse was exceptional.”
- “One of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Melbourne! I loved everything we ordered. The clay pot rice was my favourite and I will come back for it. The atmosphere was great too.”
- “Asian-inspired cuisine served in an ambient, intimate setting. The dishes we tried were carefully considered, with a range of flavours and textures that left us very satisfied.”
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a special place to dine in Melbourne, Aru Restaurant should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re celebrating an event or just want to treat yourself, this place offers great food, stylish interiors, and outstanding service.
Everything from the first bite to the last sip is made with thought and care. The bold cooking methods and cultural mix create a memorable dining experience you’ll talk about long after your visit.
So the next time you’re planning a night out, skip the usual and try something different. Aru is more than just a meal—it’s a journey through flavors and traditions.
