Melbourne’s CBD is about to welcome a steakhouse where the ceiling transforms to mimic an African sunset. The Meat & Wine Co will open a new flagship on Collins Street this August, introducing an immersive new design concept inspired by the shifting light and colours of the African savannah.
In doing so, the venue marks the brand’s biggest Melbourne investment to date, pairing its signature flame-grilled steaks with theatrical interiors that promise to be just as much of a draw as the menu.
An immersive dining room inspired by the African savannah
The 220-seat restaurant will become The Meat & Wine Co’s first Melbourne venue built around its “Safari” design concept, joining similar locations in Sydney and Perth.
Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group CEO Ravi Singh says the brand chose Melbourne for its next evolution because “Melbourne remains one of the most sophisticated hospitality markets in the country.”
He says Collins Street sits “at the intersection of business, culture and tourism”, making it a natural fit for the experience-led dining the city has become known for. “Melbourne diners are highly engaged and experience-driven.”They expect detail in every element – from service to design to provenance.”
The international design studio COOOP.co has created a concept called African Sky, centred around a dramatic draped ceiling installation that shifts throughout the day using theatrical lighting. The effect is designed to mirror the changing colours of the African landscape from daylight through to dusk.
COOOP.co Australia principal and creative director Callie van der Merwe says the team focused on creating a feeling rather than recreating a destination.
“The African Sky concept is about capturing a feeling rather than recreating a place.” “We looked at the way light moves across landscapes, the transition between day and night… The result is a space that changes with its guests and creates a strong sense of atmosphere.”
Plenty beyond the steak
While premium beef remains the hero, the new Collins Street restaurant will also showcase dry-aged and butter-aged cuts through the brand’s AGED Programme, alongside dishes including Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi, Mozambican peri-peri King Prawns, Blackcurrant Kangaroo Skewers, Truffle Mac’&’Cheese and its signature Chocolate Fondant.
The venue will also feature three private dining rooms aimed at everything from corporate lunches to celebration dinners.
Restaurant details
- What: Meat & Wine Co, African Sky
- Opening: Early August, 2026 (Date TBA)
- Location: 88 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
