The Moat sits beneath the Wheeler Centre's Little Lonsdale Street entrance, taking its name from the sunken position at the base of the State Library of Victoria. A steep set of steps leads down from the footpath into a sunken outdoor terrace styled with faux-wicker chairs, potted herbs and bright green astroturf, giving the space a kitschy, French-picnic feel despite sitting right in the CBD. Inside, the fit-out by local designer Christo Gillard leans into the building's heritage overlay, with rich gold and deep red tones, book-lined walls, dark timber furnishings and a long, glossy brass-topped bar that give the room the feel of a private Victorian library. Owners Paul and Rosie, alongside head chef Monica, bring their Italian heritage to a menu of authentic, hand-made dishes built on seasonal local produce, catering for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diners. Happy hour runs from 4pm to 6pm Tuesday to Saturday, and the venue hosts private functions, including weddings, on weekends. Trading Tuesday to Saturday and closed on public holidays, The Moat offers a genuinely hidden escape from the city just steps below street level. A huge lithograph of a tea moth by local artist Peter Robertson hangs above the open kitchen, tying the venue back to its literary namesake.
Visit WebsiteMenu Not Available!
