Brunch is one of the most revered meals of the week. Its sheer definition is an indication of a relaxed day with a late start as well as signifies being in no particular rush. This mash up of late breakfast and a leisurely lunch offers foodies nothing less than culinary pleasure such as you’ll find at the Half Acre Restaurant in Melbourne.

The location in South Melbourne’s back blocks in an up-and-coming former industrial area amongst mostly abandoned factories, turn of the century row houses and hip condo complexes for the influx of millennials urban sprawling in the shadows of downtown Melbourne’s high rises.

In the middle of it all sits the Half Acre Restaurant, in an obscure and non-descript building with a façade of misleadingly unimpressive exposed brick walls much like the speakeasies of a century past. The trendy eatery is aptly named after the half acre of land that it sits upon which was formerly as dilapidated lumber yard. Inside quickly impresses with a Scandinavian inspired contemporary design, décor, and ambiance that flawlessly integrates reclaimed timbers, rustic brick walls and steel rafters beautifully refitted into an ultra-modern chic and textured space oozing with style and personality.

The restaurant includes an intimate bar and lounge area and an sunlight filled open air courtyard with a gravel floor and quaint sitting areas. The courtyard fronts the 75-seat glasshouse dining room with partisan style café tables and banquets. Facing the restaurant is a long serving station and behind a crackling wood fire and open kitchen.

Couples and groups of friends gather for casual vibed brunch and a lively few hours of good food, service and entertainment during the Half Acre’s Bottomless Brunch from 11-1 and the Bottomless Lunch from 1:30- 3:30. To complete the experience, a talent singer croons covers of current hits accompanied by his acoustic guitar.

The key word here is bottomless which refers to the all-one-cares-to-eat, but mainly the bottomless glasses of libations offered throughout the meal. Melbourne’s cocktail culture is on full display with craft cocktails created by a talented bar staff that put their twist on classics with Aperol Spritzes, Half Acre Mimosa which is prosecco, OJ, and grapefruit bitters, and well as signature cocktails with Elderflower vodka, lime, sugar and soda. What guests will also enjoy is the DIY Citrus Vodka bar (yes do it yourself) where guests can make their own cocktail with vodka ,fresh juices and craft mixers galore.

Sharing equal billing with the tasty cocktails is the sprawling spread of gourmet Australian fare. Fresh and locally sourced ingredients are roasted over a crackling fire with the culinary skills of their talented chefs. The red gum tree fire adds a delicious nuance of flavor to the meats including the grilled chicken and lamb, shakshuka eggs with smashed avo and edamame, as well as the a spread of yummy veggies including grilled charred cauliflower, cabbage with goats cheese and chimichurri, turmeric potatoes with harrisa as well as a plenty of salads and sweet ending at the a pavlova station.

Weekends are made to slow down, relax and enjoy. For a delicious late morning or early afternoon lunch, Melbourne’s weekend destination for the in-the-know foodie is the Half Acre Restaurant.