In the lead up to the reveal of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2022, the best restaurants from numbers 51 to 100 were released. This longlist features venues from 22 destinations around the world, and one Melbourne restaurant made the cut. Gimlet, the glamourous restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD, came in at number 84, and was the only Australian venue to make the list.
Gimlet at Cavendish House
Gimlet opened in mid-2020, and is set in the 1920s heritage gem, Cavendish House, on Russell Street. This Chicago-style space was reimagined by chef Andrew McConnell and Acme & Co, to create a cocktail bar and dining room with classic European charm.
“Gimlet at Cavendish House is grand and contemporary, with intimate booths set in an elegant dining room,” said the World’s 50 Best organisation. Gimlet was celebrated for its à la carte menu, like dry-aged Muscovy duck breast, and delicious dessert.
“It’s an amazing honour to be included on the list and a great validation of the incredible work the entire team at Gimlet has put in,” said McConnell. “Cavendish House is a big part of the equation – the room is unique to Melbourne, and it has a sense of theatre and drama to it that’s fun and not to serious. To me it feels like an old-world moment with a contemporary edge.”
Indulge in oysters, caviar, cheese, wood-fired meats, seafood, house-made gelato and more in this lavish space. Pair it with elegant cocktails or world-class wines from the bar. Led by bar manager Cameron Parish, the cocktails are made with refined recipes, with a focus on the Prohibition and pre-Prohibition eras.
While Gimlet was the only Australian restaurant to make the list, the Aussie-run venue Burnt Ends also received a mention. Spearheaded by chef-owner Dave Pynt, this Singaporean restaurant came in at number 94, and serves up modern Australian barbeque.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants has operated since 2002. It’s made up of a voting panel of 1080 culinary experts, including chefs, restauranteurs, food journalists and well-travelled gourmets. The top 50 list will be revealed at a live awards ceremony in London on Monday July 18.
See the list from 51-100 here.