Early last year we featured Melbourne’s Café Vue at 401 St Kilda Road, one of a chain of cafés that were born from the success of chef-owner Shannon Bennett’s Vue de Monde. Located at the time in Melbourne’s central business district at the historic Normanby Chambers building, the highly-regarded restaurant has recently found a new home; taking up residence in the city’s iconic Rialto Towers.
The view is of course staggering, but then who’s looking outside when the interiors are this astounding? As 401 St Kilda Road is, the splendidly lavish space has been designed by super-talented local firm Elenberg Fraser, and by jove have they excelled themselves; the sleek charcoal hues accentuated by a choice selection of statement chairs, mesmerising lighting and a rather lovely neon artwork by conceptual artist Joseph Kosuth.
As night falls, you can’t help but be seduced by the views that a prime position on the 55th floor of one of Australia’s tallest buildings affords you and now, thanks to the decidedly lavish Lui Bar, you don’t even need to be dining to enjoy them…
Photography: Dianna Snape, except food image; Simon Griffiths
