When people think of Melbourne’s food culture, they imagine creativity, tradition, and fine flavors coming together on one plate. Just like Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant brings elegance to seafood dining, Old Palm Liquor offers its own identity with a seasonal and dynamic menu. This Brunswick East venue offers an innovative approach, a warm setting, and carefully curated dishes that highlight both local and international influences.
The old palm liquor menu showcases bold flavors, premium produce, and carefully paired wines, creating an experience beyond just food.Guests visit not only for dinner but also for the atmosphere that feels like a blend of modern wine bar and old-school neighborhood charm.
What is Old Palm Liquor Menu?
The Old Palm Liquor menu is a seasonal food and drink offering from the popular Brunswick East restaurant and wine bar in Melbourne. It features a creative mix of starters, larger plates, wood-fired meats, artisan cheeses, and desserts, all crafted with fresh local produce. The menu changes regularly to highlight the best seasonal ingredients, while the drinks list includes aperitifs, natural wines, and classic selections from Australia and abroad. Designed to balance comfort with innovation, the Old Palm Liquor gives diners a unique experience that blends bold flavors, fine wines, and a cozy yet stylish atmosphere.
Owners Info
The Old Palm Liquor is the creation of owners Sarah and Almay Jordaan, the husband-and-wife duo also behind Neighbourhood Wine in Melbourne. Their vision was to design a space that feels warm, approachable, and community-focused while offering a menu that reflects seasonal produce and wood-fired cooking. With their experience in hospitality and passion for wine, Sarah and Almay have shaped Old Palm Liquor into a venue where the food, drinks, and atmosphere work together to deliver a memorable dining experience.
Location
The Old Palm Liquor can be enjoyed at the restaurant located at 133B Lygon Street in Brunswick East, Victoria, Australia. This prime location places it in the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. The cozy wine bar and restaurant welcomes guests daily from midday until late, offering a relaxed yet refined atmosphere to enjoy its seasonal menu and curated drinks list.
How Old Palm Liquor Began
Old Palm Liquor was founded with the vision of creating a welcoming space where people could share food and conversation. The restaurant combines the style of a wood-paneled European tavern with the vibrancy of a Melbourne wine bar. This atmosphere complements the old palm liquor, which is always seasonal and full of surprises.
Inside, guests find vintage records spinning, cozy booths, and dim lighting that set the mood for a relaxed evening. The environment is casual, yet the dining experience feels refined thanks to the menu’s thoughtful design.
Dishes Available at Old Palm Liquor Menu
Here is the description of dishes available at Old Palm Liquor:
Pacific Oysters
The Pacific oysters are served fresh with mignonette, offering a crisp and briny start to the dining experience.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Fresh oysters served with mignonette |
| Style/Notes | Briny, crisp, and refreshing starter |
| Price | AUD 8 each |
Wood Fired Flatbread
The wood fired flatbread comes warm with labne and sumac, adding smoky depth and creamy tang to the meal.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Flatbread from wood fire served with labne and sumac |
| Style/Notes | Smoky, warm, with creamy and tangy balance |
| Price | AUD 16 |
Coconut Creamed Lentils
Coconut creamed lentils are slow-cooked with tomato and curry leaf, creating a comforting and aromatic starter.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Lentils cooked in coconut with tomato and curry leaf |
| Style/Notes | Aromatic, comforting, with rich flavors |
| Price | AUD 22 |
Fried Injera with Lamb
Fried injera is paired with crispy lamb, persimmon bacon jam, and green chilli for a rich and spicy bite.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Crispy injera topped with lamb, bacon jam, and chilli |
| Style/Notes | Spicy, crunchy, and savory |
| Price | AUD 24 |
Pickled Mussels
Pickled mussels are served with chorizo and confit fennel, blending seafood freshness with savory depth.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Pickled mussels with chorizo and confit fennel |
| Style/Notes | Fresh seafood with smoky and savory balance |
| Price | AUD 23 |
Raw Kingfish
Raw kingfish arrives with pepita and finger lime, balancing delicate textures with zesty bursts of citrus.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Raw kingfish served with pepita and finger lime |
| Style/Notes | Delicate, zesty, and texturally vibrant |
| Price | AUD 25 |
Stracciatella
Stracciatella cheese is served with persimmon and seed vinaigrette, combining creamy and crunchy textures.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Stracciatella cheese with persimmon and seed vinaigrette |
| Style/Notes | Creamy, light, with fresh crunch |
| Price | AUD 21 |
Pan-Fried Gnocchi
Pan-fried gnocchi is enriched with hazelnut blanco, pumpkin, and mimolette for a hearty vegetarian option.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Gnocchi with hazelnut blanco, pumpkin, and mimolette |
| Style/Notes | Hearty vegetarian option with nutty depth |
| Price | AUD 27 |
Cape Grim Flank
The Cape Grim flank steak is grilled and topped with berbere butter, delivering smoky and spiced flavors.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Flank steak grilled with berbere butter |
| Style/Notes | Spiced, smoky, and bold flavors |
| Price | AUD 36 |
Otway Pork Chop
The Otway pork chop comes with green tomato and Cape Malay spice, offering bold and aromatic notes.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Pork chop with green tomato and Cape Malay spice |
| Style/Notes | Aromatic, rich, with South African influence |
| Price | AUD 39 |
Appetizers to Begin the Journey
The starters on the old palm liquor are designed to wake up the palate. Pacific oysters with mignonette deliver a refreshing burst of flavor, while the wood-fired flatbread served with labne and sumac is a house favorite. Another popular choice is the coconut creamed lentils with curry leaves and tomato, showing how the restaurant balances comfort food with innovation.
Guests also enjoy the raw kingfish with pepita and finger lime, a dish that mixes freshness with crunch. Each starter feels like a creative introduction to the larger plates that follow.
Desserts That End the Evening Well
Desserts are another strong feature of the old palm liquor. The chocolate, coconut, coffee, and rum tart delivers depth of flavor in every bite. For those who prefer fruit-based sweets, the ginger spiced pear with salted brown butter offers a lighter finish. The peanut and tamarind parfait is adventurous, combining sweet, salty, and sour notes.
Fresh Flavors and Special Events
The old palm liquor is designed to change with the seasons, ensuring that ingredients are always at their freshest. Specials such as the flounder dinner and Sunday roast add variety and create a reason for guests to return frequently. These rotating features make the menu exciting and unpredictable, which is part of its charm.
Much like Olivigna Restaurant offers seasonal Italian dining, Old Palm Liquor embraces the rhythm of seasonal produce. Guests can always expect something new while still enjoying their classic favorites.
Why People Love Old Palm Liquor
The old palm liquor draws attention for its creativity and balance. Locals appreciate the casual yet stylish setting, while visitors find it a hidden gem in Brunswick East. Reviews highlight the service, the wine selection, and the ability of the menu to feel both comforting and exciting at the same time.
People enjoy coming back because they know each visit will be slightly different, thanks to the seasonal updates. This variety helps keep the restaurant relevant and memorable in Melbourne’s busy dining scene.
Visiting Old Palm Liquor
Guests can find Old Palm Liquor on Lygon Street in Brunswick East. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. The menu prices are fair considering the quality of food and wine offered, with the set sharing menu being a popular choice for groups.
The restaurant is open most evenings, with different specials throughout the week. Whether enjoying a quiet dinner for two or a lively gathering with friends, the old palm liquor caters to every occasion.
Customer Reviews
Here are some customer reviews about Old Palm Liquor:
- “Service was brilliant, food was tasty whilst small in size. The bathrooms were surprisingly clean and well designed.”
- “A fine local bistro with wood-fired dishes that reference the chef’s South African heritage, and a sweet and smoky pork chop that just won’t quit.”
- “Wine service is excellent so don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Conclusion
Exploring the old palm liquor menu is like taking a culinary journey through fire-driven cooking, fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, and creative desserts. With a strong focus on wine and an atmosphere that combines casual comfort with refined dining, Old Palm Liquor has secured its reputation as one of Melbourne’s most unique spots.
From the starters to the sweets, and from the flounder special to the cheese and wine pairings, this menu reflects passion and creativity. It shows that a restaurant can be both welcoming and sophisticated, making it a destination worth visiting again and again.
