The Recreation Bistro x Bottleshop — Restaurant in Melbourne

Anniversary feast at The Recreation Bistro — and wow, what a menu. A parade of textures, flavours, and pure kitchen finesse.

We kicked off with cauliflower tartlet, sharp goat’s cheddar, and crisp apple — savoury, sweet, and just the right kind of delicate. The pig’s head croquette was golden perfection, lifted with a punchy sauce gribiche and tangy pickles. Then came the bluefin tuna crudo, bathed in citrus — fresh, clean, unforgettable.

Things got serious with a spanner crab risotto kissed with chilli and lemon — rich but bright, like a seaside daydream. Then came the standout: dry-aged duck breast with pumpkin and a glossy duck jus that whispered luxury.

But wait — BBQ lamb rump, smoky and tender, stacked up against earthy lentils and crispy house-cut fries. Paired with radicchio, beetroot, and blue cheese, it hit every note from sweet to bitter to umami.

Finished with a golden apple tarte tatin, its edges caramelised just-so, melting into creamy calvados ice cream.

A love letter in courses. A perfect anniversary...

Exceeded my expectations. Flawless execution of the menu. Friendly and attentive service. Highly recommend coming here for a good feed.

It’s not fine dining, nor does it purport to be. It’s better-than gastro pub food, executed extremely well.

You will not leave here disappointed.

Highlights were - pretty much everything we ordered. You can tell a good restaurant by it’s bread and this was no exception. Warm, crusty, soft and great butter to accompany.

The stracciatella with broadband and anchovies were fantastic, great balance of flavours. Pork ribs with pineapple glaze were extremely moreish. Cured ocean trout was served with a fantastic wasabi cream and fennel citrus salad. The cafe de Paris butter on the steak exceptional.

Nduja was potentially a bit overpowering for subtle ness of a John Dory, but still no points lost for deliciousness.

Creme brûlée fantastic.

Run, don’t walk. The Rec is seriously good. 5 stars everyday...

The Recreation is an exceptional local restaurant, with impeccable service , consistently serving delicious food , providing an outstanding ambience and the cocktails and wines are to die for. I walked in and Liam one of the very professional kind staff members warmly welcomed my group and remembered the bottle of South African Chenin Blanc I had shared with my friends two weeks ago! That’s incredible! Will who provided all our food service, customer service , food knowledge and warm and friendly demeanour was truely impecable. You just do not receive this type of amazing service in many places in Melbourne anymore. The Recreation never disappoints. It’s consistently exceptional with everything it represents , food , service , drinks and atmosphere. Keep up the amazing work and thanks for being my...