Melbourne’s Pontoon Eatery, Yarra Botanica showcases Indigenous Ingredients

One of Melbourne’s newest establishments, a two-level floating bar and eatery on the Yarra River, Yarra Botanica, has recently announced all-year-round operating hours and the launch of a beautiful premium boutique produce-driven winter menu that’s got tongues wagging. During the cooler months, the venue is layered in gorgeous native floral and foliage arrangements, adding texture and depth to the overhead space, painting a scene similar to a forest canopy. Awnings and heaters help to shield diners from the wintry chill.

The menu comprises cleverly designed hot and cold snacks, sourdough pizzas, grazing platters, outstanding wine and cocktail lists, plus a no-brainer ‘Feed Me’ menu that provides a tremendous all-round tasting experience. On it, a range of flavour-rich indigenous-themed delights makes this choice unique. For example, the Stoneground Sourdough Flatbread with warrigal greens pesto, burnt pumpkin hummus, dukkah, and Mount Zero chickpeas is heartwarming and moreish.

The dainty Portarlington mussel crumpets with nduja, cultured cream, kelp soy butter and sea herbs succeed brilliantly in balancing umami with salty-sea and earthy flavours. The wonderfully textured Hand-Stretched Burrata with roasted eggplant demonstrates dedication, and the brightly coloured Halloumi cubes painted in a warm persimmon and quandong compote, topped with macadamia nuts and bush honey, add a level of finesse to turn these tiny bites into sweet, salty and sour modern food masterpieces.

The Southbank pontoon bar and eatery, from Melbourne-based hospitality group Australian Venue Co, opened in March this year and has been a popular destination for Melbournians and tourists ever since.