Chadstone’s entertainment and dining precinct, The Social Quarter, now has a glamourous new venue in its centre. Say hello to Cityfields, a European-inspired restaurant from the same team behind South Melbourne’s Half Acre. This vibrant venue is great for catch-ups at any time of day or night, with a central public bar, 12-metre-high ceilings and both indoor and outdoor seating options. Cityfields is open daily, from 12pm to late.
Cityfields
Step inside this two-level destination, and marvel at the grand staircase and vintage chandeliers. This dining spot features several separate spaces. On the ground floor, you’ll find the Public Bar, Restaurant and North and South Gardens, which offer alfresco dining. If you need something private, book The Long Room, which seats 32 guests, and has audio equipment and a TV screen for corporate meetings.
Moving on to the top floor, which is set to open in May, you’ll find The Terrace Dining Room, Bar and Rooftop Garden, as well as a private dining room for 40 seated or 80 standing guests. The sophisticated yet casual rooftop will offer city views, and a quiet refuge away from the buzz of Chadstone. The entire top level will be available to rent for private parties, birthday celebrations and corporate events.
“Cityfields is a concept that we’ve had in our mind for some time now, and it was important to us to find the right space to give the idea the home it deserved,” said Adam Wright-Smith, co-owner of Cityfields. “With 12-metre-high ceilings, views of Melbourne’s city skyline, a rooftop garden and a grand staircase, we instantly felt that this was the right place to bring Cityfields to life.”
The menu
You’ll find timeless dishes and quality ingredients on the menu, which is inspired by European bistros around the world. Start with share plates, including olive gildas; house made potato cakes with goats milk yoghurt and sweet pickle relish; and raw kingfish crudo.
The pasta is handmade every day on-site, with flavourful options like busiate infused with bone marrow; seafood spaghetti with prawns, calamari and clams; or gnocchi with mushroom, butter and rocket.
Find brasserie classics for mains, including four different kinds of woodfired steak and fries; wood-roasted chicken; grilled trout; an American-style cheeseburger; or cauliflower with sesame sabayon and fresh herbs. For something lighter, there’s also a range of salads to enjoy.
And don’t forget about dessert! At Cityfields, you’ll find a roving cart filled with daily cakes and tart specials. Try three slices for $16 or a daily serve of petit fours for $8. Otherwise, there’s à la carte options like Basque cheesecake and strawberry or crème caramel with amaretto and fig. They also make soft serve onsite with fior di latte, with delicious flavour combos like rhubarb and elderflower pavlova or milo affogato and macadamia liquor.
As for drinks, you’ll find an impressive wine list, signature cocktails, mocktails, aperitifs, digestifs and a mix of local and imported beers. From Monday to Thursday, they do happy hour from 4pm to 7pm, with house wine and beer priced from $11 a glass.