Trunk Bar and Diner

You may have walked passed Trunk Bar and Diner a bunch of times without popping in. I admit I’ve often admired the pretty hanging bulbs of the courtyard did not inquire into what lies within.

Well, recently I did. And I liked what I found.

Trunk is divided into two parts - the bar and the diner. The bar occupies a heritage-listed building that was once a Synagogue among other things. In the front is the diner, which just in time for the rest of summer now has a retractable roof in celebration of Trunk’s fifth birthday. And it wouldn’t be a birthday without birthday cake.

Or in this case a new menu from Executive Chef Orazio Cutuli (ex-Café Latte and Madame Jo Jo’s). He’s whipped up a new seasonally-inspired menu for the occasion with dishes like the Sicilian style pan-fried Whiting with currants, pine nuts, chives and cous cous. Other options on the Italian-inspired menu include a range of pizzas and pastas.

Over at the diner USA and Tex Mex fare rules the roost with waffles, quesadillas and milkshakes on tap throughout the day.

But besides the food I reckon the best thing Trunk’s got going for it is the space. It’s ace. Not only can it boast one of the CBD’s largest courtyards, it’s also got a grand 150 year old Coral Tree in the front yard, from once the venue takes its name.

History and food is a fine mix.

TRUNK BAR AND DINER
275 Exhibition Street, Melbourne
9663 7994
The Diner
Mon - Fri 7.30am - 4pm, Sat - Sun 8am - 9pm
The Bar
Mon - Fri 12pm - 12am, Sat - Sun 3pm - 12am
trunktown.com.au