Bar Carnation

European$$$$

The iconic Gerald’s Bar site in Carlton North has taken on a new form as Bar Carnation, led by owner-chef Audrey Shaw (Carnation Canteen). The area beyond the front bar has been transformed into a bottle shop and tasting room that serves a double purpose as a retail hub while also allowing guests to browse the shelves for their next bottle. Sommelier Sam Ross has curated a selection of around 200 bottles, ranging from accessible $12 house pours to European heavy-hitters with an Italian lean.

Cocktails are a feature, bolstered by house-made juices and syrups. Classics such as the freezer-door martini sit alongside bespoke creations by bar manager Belle Johnson Geor, including one with gin, French aperitif Suze and muddled green grapes.

The menu’s European sensibility is anchored by seasonal produce from Ramarro and Days Walk farms. Steak frites features a Cape Grim bavette paired with skin-on, hand-cut fries sourced from the Spud Sisters – boiled once and fried twice for a perfect crunch. Other staples include a daily pasta and a fresh fritto misto, with the day’s specific iterations chalked up on the specials board.

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