Embla Menu Overview at 122 Russell Street Melbourne VIC Australia

Located in the heart of Melbourne, Embla is a vibrant wine bar and restaurant where the food takes center stage with a carefully curated menu of gourmet small plates and mains. The culinary offerings emphasize seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients, presented with creative flair and impeccable technique. Whether you're a foodie eager to explore unique flavors or a wine enthusiast looking for perfect pairings, Embla's menu promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Starters

Begin your meal with an enticing selection of starters that balance bold flavors and elegant simplicity. Choose from the rustic charm of white country sourdough served with herb cultured butter, or delight in the crispy chicken skin paired with whipped anchovy and chicory. Seafood lovers will savor the Abrolhos island scallop dressed with a fermented aji chilli butter, while the fermented pommes dauphine offer a savory bite with parmesan richness. The soured cucumbers with dill and feta bring a fresh, tangy note, contrasting beautifully with the tender tuna carpaccio enhanced by white cucumber, basil, olive, and kombu. For a decadent treat, the aged cheddar tart topped with puntarelle, pine nut, and caper provides a delightful texture and flavor combination. The raw beef starter with fermented peppers, almond, and wild rice is a refined take on a classic, packed with umami depth.

Mains

Embla's mains showcase a refined blend of textures and robust flavors. The squid bigoli pasta is infused with fennel, green olive, and the unique bitterness of black lemon, creating a harmonious seafood dish. For those seeking vegetarian options, the chickpea pancake adorned with witlof, hazelnut, and preserved mandarin offers a sophisticated balance of nutty and citrus notes. The Milawa chicken breast is a juicy, succulent highlight, complemented by romano beans, fresh basil, and braised almonds. Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the whole rainbow trout prepared with fennel, tarragon, and fermented potato, delivering a crispy skin and buttery tender flesh. Meat lovers can indulge in the impressive black angus t-bone, generously topped with the signature cafe de Melbourne butter. Additional sides like brown jasmine rice with pine mushrooms, walnut, and coriander seed or the vibrant spaghetti squash with buttermilk, za’atar, and pumpkin seed xo provide flavorful pairings to complete your meal.

Desserts

Conclude your dining experience with Embla's thoughtfully crafted desserts. The raw quince ice cream paired with delicate meringue and elderflower vinegar marshmallow offers a refreshing and floral finish, while the black fig tart provides a luscious, fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the sophisticated menu.

Drinks and Specials

Complement your meal with Embla's extensive and carefully selected wine list, predominantly featuring local vintages that highlight Australia's rich wine regions. The bar also offers expertly crafted cocktails and a variety of beers, creating the perfect accompaniment to each dish. While the food remains the main attraction, the drinks menu elevates the overall experience, making Embla a must-visit destination for both wine aficionados and casual diners alike.

Starters: White country sourdough, chicken skin crisp, Abrolhos island scallop, fermented pommes dauphine, soured cucumbers, tuna carpaccio, aged cheddar tart, raw beef tartare.
Mains: Squid bigoli, chickpea pancake, Milawa chicken breast, whole rainbow trout, black angus t-bone, brown jasmine rice, spaghetti squash.
Desserts: Raw quince ice cream with meringue and elderflower marshmallow, black fig tart.
Drinks: Extensive local wine selection, cocktails, and a curated beer list.