After weaving through the chaos of a garishly lit shopping centre, all you want is a bit of sun, peace, and a good coffee or bite to eat. Last year, Chadstone got the airy, light-filled Cityfields – a welcoming sky-high diner away from the noise.
Now, this year, Burwood Brickworks has scored a rooftop oasis of its own: Rombe. The tranquil all-day eatery has sprung up on the rooftop, affording visitors a nature-immersed dining experience with stunning vistas of the Dandenong Ranges.
The 2,500 sqm venue boasts an urban farm – an initiative from the shopping complex to further its sustainability measures – and three dedicated sections, including a restaurant, lush gardens and a former glass house that's been transformed into an event space. The garden is looked after by Cultivating Community, which is a local gardening organisation that provides employment and social connection for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
It's the perfect set-up for Rombe's farm-to-table ethos, which sees chef Jerry Yi (Shihuishi, Red Spice Road) and his team source seasonal produce from the eatery’s garden for their cocktails and salads.
For breakfast, dishes might include a salmon pastrami with soft egg, potato rosti and pickled fennel salad, with plenty of scope in the menu, too, to graze on classics like avocado toast, ricotta hotcakes and vadouvan eggs. Lunch plates feature daily made salads and mains like charcoal-grilled snapper, braised beef short rib and the Rombe double cheeseburger with fries. Note: it’s brekky and lunch only at present, but a dinner service will begin in late April.
With a generous drinks list of signature cocktails and Victorian wine producers, this rustic new spot in the sky has long boozy brunch written all over it.
Rombe is located at Burwood Brickworks, 70 Middleborough Road, Burwood East, and is currently accepting walk-ins only. The eatery is open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 3pm and Saturday, 8am to 4pm.
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