Nina's Bar & Dining — Restaurant in Melbourne

Located a stone's throw from Anstey station in Brunswick, and right along the Upfield Rail Trail is a small hole in the wall wine bar the neighbourhood deserves.

Dishes range from bite/snack size to larger, beefier plates and cater to all walks of life from omnivores, pescos, and vegos alike. Portions of sales from seafood dishes even go to support groups like the Seafood Initiative.

The room inside is cosy and intimate, bathed warmly by the afternoon glow of the sun. An outdoor seating area welcomes those who are lucky enough to enjoy those far few days of Melbourne "summer" we've been able to enjoy recently. Grand windows open directly onto the adjacent Rail Trail beckoning to those working up a sweat to come in and enjoy a libation.

The wine list imitates it's surroundings, small and intimate. But by no means is this a burden to the diner. Fine and fierce wine selections are selected by local seasoned wine veteran (and owner) Hayley. While wines by the bottle give an opportunity for indulgence, this doesn't leave sorrow for those who prefer to stay by the glass. Even top profile champagne offered via Coravin all at better value than most city restaurants.

Nina's Bar & Dining is the unsuspecting wine bar under dog that Brunswick has been waiting for. Don't just...

Came here with friends a few weeks ago. I requested a celiac friendly set menu and was told that they could do it (along with what menu items would be included as substitutes) but was quite disappointed when many of the celiac dishes that they said would be served never actually got served. I had to sit and watch while my friends ate for most of the dinner because the dishes they did prepare for me came much later, and the missing dishes that they said would be served weren’t. My friend asked the waiter about one of the missing celiac friendly dishes and she said she would follow up with the kitchen, but I still never got it. I got two less dishes than my friends did in the end, but paid the same price as them. Considering that this is fine dining and the cost of the set menu, it’s unacceptable for a customer (celiac or not) to be promised certain menu items and not actually be served them. Then to be ignored after voicing it is even more...

Walked in for an early dinner on a Friday evening, and they’re already pretty busy.

It’s right next to the Anstey station, and a small set up. We went for the set menu at 65pp (without dessert, option with dessert at 80pp), forgot the names of the dishes!

Every dish was excellent, and the most divine bread roll - something so simple but so well done, soft and fluffy. You can taste the freshness and quality of ingredients, and service was friendly and warm.

Special mention to the clams dish, but we would gladly come back for all the same items again. Only tiny drawback is the acoustics indoor, can get pretty noisy when it’s full but not too big of an issue.

Brilliant selection of wines and small list of cocktails. Definitely will...