In spite of its CBD location, Cabinet is a great place for a first date, a long lunch or even a hazy night of cocktails and romance. While the speciality is the extensive cocktail list, it’s perfectly matched by a menu of flatbread pizzas and tapas. The cocktail list is immense, but if you’re not sure what to order, the legendary bar staff will be able to create something based on your tastes. Perhaps Cabinet’s most unique feature is the balcony. Overlooking Swanston Street, it’s the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by. Hot tip: even on a winter’s day, it’s a popular spot, so it’s best to book ahead. The venue itself is cosy, intimate and moody with retro Parisian furnishings that make it easy to sit for hours in blissful enjoyment. If you’re heading out to a show or concert, Cabinet’s a great place for a pre-gig feed. The flatbreads are out of this world, with simple toppings such as Cajun chicken, mango, red onion and aioli, or my personal favourite, pulled pork, onion, bocconcini, smokey BBQ sauce and shaved apple. Both go flawlessly with a glass of $10 mulled wine. Lunchtimes in the sun are a different bag, though, and we’d recommend the eggplant chips to accompany your peoplewatching. Be careful of going to Cabinet Bar & Balcony, because you’ll never want to leave.
Food In Focus: Cabinet Bar & Balcony
