Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann are bringing Côte Basque to Melbourne's CBD this winter.
Melbourne CBD getting a new European grill from Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann when Côte Basque opens later this year.
Taking over the former Becco site on Crossley Street, Côte Basque will draw inspiration from the northern Basque region of Spain and southwest France. McConnell says the raw beauty of that coastline and its incredible produce have been a longstanding influence, with wood-fired cooking traditions central to both the menu and cooking techniques.
ACME’s Vince Alafaci and Caroline Choker are handling the interior design, keeping the mid-century bones of the building while nodding to its history as Becco and, before that, Pellegrini’s. Around 100 seats will fill the ground floor restaurant, with many original features staying put – that iconic green terrazzo floor, the stepped dining room, intimate bar and sweeping street-level windows all remain. Outdoor dining along Crossley Street will be added, while the first floor gets transformed into a private events space, breathing new life into what was once Bella Vista.
Côte Basque – Melbourne CBD
- Where: Former Becco site, Crossley Street, Melbourne CBD
- When: Winter 2026
- Capacity: Around 100 seats (ground floor) plus private dining room upstairs
- Features: Wood-fired European grill, outdoor dining, restored heritage features including original green terrazzo flooring
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McConnell says reimagining this heritage space has been both rewarding and challenging, balancing respect for its legacy with evolution for the future. Melbourne CBD doesn’t have many heritage restaurant spaces left, so restoring the original features feels significant. Keeping it as a restaurant continues the building’s story and adds to Crossley Street’s re-emergence as one of the city’s great laneways.
Basque cuisine centres on high-quality ingredients treated simply, often over open flames. Expect seasonal produce, grilled meats and seafood, and that distinctive smoky char that comes from cooking over wood. The region’s pintxos culture – small bites enjoyed at the bar – might also make an appearance, though specific menu details are still under wraps.
This adds another venue to McConnell’s portfolio, which includes Cumulus Inc., Cumulus Up, Marion and SuperNormal. Each restaurant has its own distinct personality while maintaining McConnell’s commitment to quality produce and considered cooking. Côte Basque looks set to fill a gap in Melbourne’s dining scene for serious European grill cooking in a heritage setting.
Winter 2026 might seem far off, but restoring heritage features and getting the interiors right takes time. The result should be worth the wait; a restaurant in the Melbourne CBD that honours the building’s past while creating something fresh for Melbourne’s ever-evolving food landscape.
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