If you’ve ever dined at Fyre restaurant, you know that Melbourne is home to a rich and diverse culinary scene. These restaurants showcase top-notch dining, but there’s another gem in the city that deserves attention: Reine and La Rue. This French-inspired restaurant blends classic techniques with local Australian ingredients, creating a dining experience that’s both luxurious and welcoming. The Reine and La Rue menu is a journey through seasonal ingredients, innovative cooking, and perfect wine pairings, offering diners a unique culinary adventure.
In this article, we’ll explore it, looking at what makes it stand out, what dishes you can expect, and why this restaurant has become one of Melbourne’s favorite dining spots.
What is the Reine and La Rue Menu?
The Reine and La Rue menu offers a sophisticated dining experience that blends French culinary techniques with the finest seasonal Australian ingredients. Featuring both tasting menus and a la carte options, it allows guests to explore a variety of flavors, from fresh seafood and roasted meats to delicate desserts. Each dish is carefully crafted to highlight the season’s best produce, with the menu changing regularly to ensure freshness and variety. Whether you’re indulging in a multi-course tasting menu or enjoying smaller, casual plates at La Rue, it guarantees an exceptional culinary journey.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of individual dishes you might find on it, organized by section:
Tasting Menus
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Chef’s Tasting Menu | A curated selection of seasonal dishes showcasing the best of French-inspired Australian cuisine. |
| Signature Tasting Menu | A more refined tasting experience featuring intricate, high-end dishes with elevated flavors. |
Starters
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Fresh Oysters with Smoked Olive Oil | Chilled oysters served with a drizzle of smoked olive oil and seaweed mignonette. |
| Beef Tartare | A classic French dish made from finely chopped raw beef, served with smoked bone marrow and artichoke. |
| Petit Pain with Cultured Butter | Warm, freshly baked bread paired with creamy, cultured butter. |
Main Courses
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Roasted Duck | A tender, perfectly roasted duck served with foie gras and a rich sauce. |
| Grilled Steaks | Premium cuts of steak grilled to perfection, often served with traditional French sides like pommes purée. |
| Hand-Dived Scallops | Freshly caught scallops, typically served with beurre blanc or an herb-infused sauce. |
Vegetarian Options
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Mushroom Pithiviers | A puff pastry filled with a mixture of seasonal mushrooms and herbs, baked to golden perfection. |
| Roasted Root Vegetables | A medley of seasonal root vegetables, carefully roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. |
Desserts
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Grapefruit with Bay Leaf Crème | A light, citrusy dessert that pairs fresh grapefruit with a rich, aromatic bay leaf-flavored cream. |
| Seasonal Fruit Tarts | A delicate tart filled with custard and topped with fresh, seasonal fruits. |
Casual Plates (La Rue)
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Charcuterie Platters | A selection of cured meats served with artisanal bread, pickles, and accompaniments. |
| Cheese Selections | A variety of French and local cheeses, often accompanied by crackers, fruit, and nuts. |
| Seafood Snacks | Lighter seafood dishes like crab remoulade or smoked salmon, perfect for a wine pairing. |
Tasting Menus at Reine and La Rue
One of the most exciting features of it is its tasting menu. The Chef’s Tasting Menu, priced around $175 per person, offers a selection of carefully curated courses that change seasonally. This tasting experience is perfect for those who want to explore a variety of dishes, each representing the best of French-inspired cuisine with Australian ingredients. It’s an ideal way to sample the diverse flavors and textures that Reine and La Rue has to offer.
For diners seeking a more indulgent experience, the Signature Tasting Menu is a standout choice. At $225 per person, this menu features a more intricate selection of dishes, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of fine dining. It is designed to take guests on a culinary journey, offering surprising combinations of flavors that showcase both tradition and innovation.
A La Carte: Flexibility on the Reine and La Rue Menu
While tasting menus are a great way to experience the full range of flavors at Reine and La Rue, the a la carte menu offers guests more flexibility. The Reine and La Rue menu changes with the seasons, ensuring that diners can enjoy fresh, seasonal produce throughout the year. Some dishes may feature local seafood, such as freshly shucked oysters, while others may highlight premium cuts of meat or delicate French pastries.
Whether you’re in the mood for a light starter or a rich, hearty main, the a la carte options on the Reine and La Rue menu are designed to cater to every taste. From appetizers to mains, there’s something for everyone, and the ability to mix and match courses offers diners a personalized dining experience.
Seasonal Ingredients: The Heart of Reine and La Rue Menu
What truly sets it apart is the restaurant’s commitment to seasonal ingredients. By focusing on what’s fresh and available locally, the chefs at Reine and La Rue ensure that every dish is bursting with flavor. This dedication to seasonal cooking not only supports local farmers but also ensures that guests enjoy the freshest, most vibrant dishes possible.
In winter, for example, it may feature hearty options like slow-braised meats or roasted root vegetables, ideal for warming up. During the warmer months, lighter dishes featuring fresh seafood, delicate salads, and herbs may take center stage. Each season brings its own unique flavors to it, making every visit a new experience.
La Rue: A More Casual Dining
While the main dining room at Reine and La Rue offers an elegant atmosphere perfect for a refined meal, La Rue offers a more casual setting. La Rue is a wine bar located adjacent to the restaurant, providing an intimate and relaxed environment where guests can enjoy smaller plates and a glass of wine. It’s the perfect spot for a casual evening out or a pre-dinner drink before heading into the main dining room. If you’ve dined at Kiin restaurant, you’ll appreciate the laid-back yet refined vibe of La Rue, which offers a similarly inviting experience, but with a more relaxed, wine-focused atmosphere.
In La Rue, guests can enjoy a selection of dishes from the Reine and La Rue menu in smaller, more informal portions. Charcuterie, cheese platters, and seafood snacks are just a few of the options available. If you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, La Rue offers an excellent way to enjoy the restaurant’s top-notch food in a more relaxed setting.
Location
Reine and La Rue is located at 318 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia, in the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD). This prime location makes the restaurant easily accessible to both locals and visitors, whether for a casual outing or a special dining experience. The restaurant’s elegant yet inviting atmosphere creates the perfect setting for enjoying its French-inspired menu, which highlights seasonal Australian produce. Whether you’re exploring the city or seeking a fine-dining experience, Reine and La Rue offers an exceptional place to savor delicious food and wine in the vibrant Melbourne CBD.
Owners Info
Reine and La Rue is owned and operated by a team of passionate culinary professionals, led by a chef with extensive experience in fine dining. The restaurant’s owners are committed to creating an exceptional dining experience that blends classic French techniques with locally sourced Australian ingredients. Their vision for Reine and La Rue is to offer both locals and visitors a sophisticated yet approachable space where the artistry of French-inspired cuisine meets the freshest seasonal produce. With a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation, the owners have crafted a menu that reflects their dedication to providing memorable culinary experiences for every guest.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews of Reine and La Rue consistently highlight the exceptional quality of both the food and service. Many guests rave about the innovative menu, which perfectly blends French techniques with fresh, seasonal Australian ingredients. Reviewers often mention the sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, noting that the elegant décor adds to the overall dining experience. The tasting menus, in particular, receive praise for their creativity and the exquisite presentation of each dish. Guests also appreciate the knowledgeable staff, who provide personalized wine pairings and attentive service. Overall, Reine and La Rue is highly regarded for offering a memorable fine dining experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Conclusion
The Reine and La Rue menu offers a unique dining experience in the heart of Melbourne. From its seasonal ingredients to its French-inspired dishes and exceptional wine pairings, every element of the menu is designed to delight and surprise. Whether you choose the tasting menu or prefer the flexibility of the a la carte options, it offers something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a top-notch restaurant that combines innovation with tradition, Reine and La Rue should be at the top of your list. With its focus on fresh, local ingredients and a commitment to providing an unforgettable dining experience, it is one you won’t want to miss.
