Looking for your next favorite spot in Melbourne? Abacus Bar And Kitchen needs to be on your radar. This place has grown from a single Chapel Street venue to multiple locations that locals and tourists can’t stop talking about.
Why Abacus Bar And Kitchen Should Be Your Next Melbourne Destination
Walking into Abacus Bar And Kitchen feels like finding a secret garden in the middle of busy Melbourne. The South Yarra spot opened in December 2017 and quickly became a local favorite.
Owner Dylan Whitmore created a place where you can actually relax. No rushing through meals here.
“We wanted to create a really casual dining atmosphere; somewhere people can come in and spend two or three hours,” says Whitmore.
That chill vibe is what keeps people coming back. You can settle in for a long brunch or dinner without feeling pushed out the door.
The space itself is worth the visit alone. They transformed an old bank building into something truly special.
You’ll find yourself surrounded by wood, concrete, and plenty of plants. It’s the perfect mix of industrial cool and natural comfort.
The Urban Oasis Experience at Abacus Bar And Kitchen
What truly sets Abacus Bar And Kitchen apart is the stunning centerpiece garden. A six-meter fig tree stands tall among subtropical plants native to northern New South Wales.
This brings the outdoors inside, creating what they call “an urban oasis in the buzzing heart of South Yarra.”
The dining space offers different seating options for whatever mood you’re in. Small marble tables with compact wicker chairs line the garden.
Tiled bench tables fill the main front section, giving off classic Australian kitchen vibes. These little touches make the place feel both fancy and homey at the same time.
For after-work drinks, check out the open lounge-style seating along the back wall. It’s perfect for unwinding with friends over cocktails.
Want to people-watch? The al fresco seating puts you right on one of Melbourne’s busiest streets. You can’t beat that location for seeing the city buzz by.
Farm-to-Table Done Right at Abacus Bar And Kitchen
Abacus Bar And Kitchen takes sustainability seriously. This isn’t just trendy talk – they’ve built it into everything they do.
The menu shows off modern Australian cuisine with Spanish and North African influences. Every dish tells a story of local sourcing and creative cooking.
They grow their own herbs and even keep beehives on the roof for house-made honey. That’s commitment to freshness you can taste.
Chris Connolly, their chef, believes in doing things in-house. “We try to do everything ourselves… Pretty much everything we could do ourselves, we do.”
This hands-on approach means stronger relationships with Victorian farmers, butchers, and artisan producers. You can trace every ingredient on your plate.
They’ve also joined the “Too Good To Go” app. This lets customers buy surplus food at discount prices instead of letting it go to waste.
Morning to Night: The All-Day Menu at Abacus Bar And Kitchen
Abacus Bar And Kitchen serves food from morning until night. Their breakfast menu flows smoothly into lunch and dinner options.
Early risers love their “OTT brunch dishes” like char-grilled calamari and speck croquettes. Pair these with their locally roasted Abacus brew coffee for the perfect start.
For dinner, premium Australian proteins take center stage. Gippsland beef cheeks melt in your mouth, while Strathdownie kangaroo offers something uniquely Australian.
The bar program showcases Australian spirits and ingredients in creative ways. Cocktails feature native elements like wattleseed, pepperberry, and quandong.
Wine lovers will appreciate their list of local producers. Beer fans can choose from craft options, including eight on tap.
Weekly Specials That Keep Locals Coming Back to Abacus Bar And Kitchen
Smart diners know about the weekly deals at Abacus Bar And Kitchen. These specials have turned first-time visitors into regulars.
Every Thursday, they offer House-Aged Steak for just $25. This deal makes premium meat accessible without breaking the bank.
Friday nights mean all-you-can-eat pasta for $28 per person. Bring your friends and make a night of it without spending too much.
These promotions strike the perfect balance. Abacus Bar And Kitchen works equally well for special celebrations or casual weeknight dinners.
The Chapel Street location keeps long hours to fit your schedule. They open at 7am weekdays and 8am weekends.
Stay late on Friday and Saturday nights until 1am. The rest of the week they close between 4pm and 11pm, depending on the day.
Award-Winning Excellence at Abacus Bar And Kitchen
Abacus Bar And Kitchen’s quality hasn’t gone unnoticed. They won recognition in the 2025 Australian Enterprise Awards.
Industry experts praise their innovative take on all-day dining. One review called it “a cafe concept that could and should be replicated and enjoyed all around the world.”
Recent customer reviews show perfect scores for food, service, and ambiance. People consistently mention the striking interior and attentive staff.
While some note the prices run a bit higher, most agree you get what you pay for. The quality of ingredients and careful preparation justify the cost.
One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “Great food – a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. Lovely atmosphere with greenery everywhere inside, and very quick and polite service.”
The Expanding World of Abacus Bar And Kitchen
Success breeds growth, and Abacus Bar And Kitchen keeps expanding. Early 2025 saw them open a brand-new location in Melbourne’s CBD.
This follows their successful branch in Emporium Melbourne. The Abacus approach clearly resonates with diners across the city.
Each new location maintains the core Abacus Bar And Kitchen identity. You’ll find the same commitment to quality, sustainability, and relaxed dining.
The growth shows strong business performance and growing demand. As Melbourne’s food scene evolves, Abacus Bar And Kitchen stays ahead of trends.
They balance innovation with consistency, keeping what works while exploring new ideas. This approach has served them well since 2017.
Plan Your Visit to Abacus Bar And Kitchen
Ready to experience Abacus Bar And Kitchen for yourself? Make a reservation to secure your spot at this popular venue.
The original South Yarra location on Chapel Street remains their flagship. But don’t overlook the newer spots in the CBD and Emporium Melbourne.
Visit on a Thursday for the steak special or Friday for pasta night. Or stop by for weekend brunch to see the place in full swing.
Whatever time you choose, prepare to stay awhile. That’s the whole point of Abacus Bar And Kitchen – lingering over good food in a beautiful space.
Bring friends who appreciate thoughtful food and drinks. The varied seating options work for different group sizes and occasions.
Take photos of the stunning interior. That six-meter fig tree makes for an impressive backdrop to your meal.
Why Abacus Bar And Kitchen Stands Out in Melbourne’s Dining Scene
Melbourne has no shortage of great restaurants. So what makes Abacus Bar And Kitchen worth your time?
It’s their unique combination of elements. The thoughtful design creates an atmosphere you want to spend time in.
Their commitment to sustainability goes beyond lip service. You can taste the difference in locally sourced, carefully prepared food.
The all-day dining concept fits modern lifestyles. Drop in whenever works for you, from morning coffee to late-night drinks.
Award-winning recognition confirms what regular customers already know. This place delivers quality consistently across the board.
Multiple locations make it accessible no matter where you are in Melbourne. The Abacus experience continues to reach new neighborhoods.
Most importantly, they stay true to their original vision. Relaxed dining without rushing – a concept that never goes out of style.
Experience Abacus Bar And Kitchen For Yourself
Abacus Bar And Kitchen stands as a shining example of what makes Melbourne’s dining scene special. From its stunning garden-filled interior to locally-sourced menu, this place delivers on all fronts.
Whether you’re planning a special date night, casual catch-up with friends, or solo dining adventure, Abacus welcomes you. The multiple locations make it easy to fit into your Melbourne plans.
Don’t just take our word for it. The awards, expansions, and loyal customer base tell the real story. Head to Abacus Bar And Kitchen for your next meal and discover why it’s become a Melbourne institution.
Remember to book ahead, especially for weekend visits. Some experiences are worth planning for – and Abacus Bar And Kitchen tops that list.
