Melbourne Supper Club

Since 1998, those in the know have climbed the narrow stairs beside The European and sought out this old world salon where excellent wine, good food and polished service are on offer no matter how late it gets. These days, Greek restaurant Kafeneion (part of the same hospitality family) picks up the early shift while Melbourne Supper Club kicks into gear from 10pm till 4am.

You want caviar and Ruinart? Party pies and farmhouse cheese? This salon-like space caters to all comers. The hangover-busting Greek soup magiritsa – made with lamb offal – is there as a precautionary measure for anyone who delves too deep into the 70-plus-page wine list.

A generous half-moon window lets in the inky night sky and glimpses of snow-white columns at Parliament House, but there’s usually too much going on within these four walls to notice the outside. The split-level space has private nooks under stairs, big tables draped in white linen, and generous Chesterfields that command the room’s attention. Plus, you can book a table after midnight. A gift to night owls the city over.