As Andrew McConnell’s flagship eatery, Cutler and Co is the leading example of Melbourne fine dining done exceptionally well. Its Gertrude Street location – nestled among some of McConnell’s other standout spots including Marion, Builders Arms and Morning Market – brings an air of coolness to the sophisticated venue.
At its core, Cutler and Co is about simple, refined food. The menu is influenced by the seasons, an amalgamate of quality local produce and the well-practised cooking techniques of its team of chefs. Seafood manages to weave its way into many courses, with local prawns, spanner crabs and fish aplenty. If you’re in the mood for a long lunch, a Sunday at Cutler and Co gives you the chance to slow down over four courses, with a reasonably priced wine matching for only an additional $55.
The newly curated a la carte summer menu opens with a mix of mussel and tomato, served alongside a kangaroo tartare tart and light pomme souffle. As for entrees and mains, you can expect a bright and tangy spanner crab with yoghurt, radish and apple, and a wood-grilled Gundagai lamb, with crisp fried anchovies and pickled walnuts to cut through the richness. As for dessert, treat yourself to a simple chocolate delice that pairs almost too perfectly with the bitters and spice of a glass of matched Nomino Amaro.