Yolk Group opens Ophelia, a new Melbourne café / wine bar in Westgarth
The Yolk Group has unveiled Ophelia, a new Melbourne cafe and hybrid wine bar located at the former Barry site on High Street in Westgarth. Founders Ben Argentino, Bec Moore, and Kieran Spiteri aimed to create a distinct venue that rethinks the traditional breakfast-to-lunch experience that many Melburnians are accustomed to.
Ophelia officially opened its doors today, offering a menu designed for sharing and a space that invites guests to feel at home. The venue transitions smoothly from morning lattes to midday martinis, making it a versatile spot for various dining occasions.
Kieran Spiteri stated, “We want Ophelia to feel like the warm neighbour who always has a record playing and bottle opener handy. While she’s new to the village, we hope people get the sense they’ve known her for years. To feel comfortable to stay a while and make the space their own.”
Ophelia: the new Melbourne cafe and wine bar experience
- The Yolk Group has unveiled Ophelia, a new Melbourne cafe and hybrid wine bar
- It’s located at the former Barry site on High Street in Westgarth
- The venue transitions smoothly from morning lattes to midday martinis
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A seasonal, shareable menu
At the centre of Ophelia is an expansive curved bar where guests can enjoy the lively atmosphere created by the sounds of coffee-making and cocktail-shaking. The design features expansive windows that fill banquette, booth, and communal seating areas with natural light. The interior showcases restored red terrazzo flooring, walnut timber finishes, and olive green accents.
Group Executive Chef Dale Kemp has collaborated with former Terror Twilight Head Chef Emma Kaye to develop a seasonal menu that features Euro-leaning dishes. Although breakfast and lunch offerings are available, the menu also caters to those looking for lighter snacking options throughout the day.
Kemp mentioned, “Ophelia boasts a smaller, produce-driven menu that’s peppered with local suppliers. We’re encouraging people to ‘rise and dine’ and take an approach to daytime eating they may otherwise reserve for nights. To journey through the menu by exploring dishes designed to share.”
Ophelia’s signature dishes
The menu includes items such as a buckwheat savoury galette layered with roast zucchini, buffalo milk ricotta, rocket pepita pesto, Aleppo pepper, and nigella seeds. Another option features Staropolska sausage served with mustard-braised cabbage, relish, pickled wildwood fennel, and a fried egg. Dessert offerings include Caramelised Milk Loaf on a bed of citrus curd, dusted in spiced cardamom sugar, and topped with orange and mint.
Starting at 11am, guests can enjoy Barramundi rillette with rye toast, smoked mustard, and bread & butter pickles, or Panko Chicken Thigh with caper honey mustard, radicchio, endive, manchego, and charred leek salt. The Deli Plate features an assortment of pickles, market cheese, and cold cuts from Savour and Grace.
In addition to savoury dishes, Ophelia offers a selection of homemade tarts, cakes, and pastries from Iris Bakery. Guests can also look forward to rotating scones, such as this week’s rosemary and goats cheese edition paired with honey-miso butter. A deli-style glass cabinet presents a variety of grab-and-go delights, including freshly made sandwiches and wholesome salads.
A diverse drinks menu
The drinks menu includes a wide range of offerings from coffee to cocktails, featuring innovative drinks like the miso-butterscotch iced latte and a ‘coffee spritz’ with mandarin and cardamom. The venue highlights a commitment to quality coffee with rotating guest roasters, in-house carbonated sodas, and freshly squeezed juices.
The wine list focuses on local and biodynamic labels, with a chalkboard showcasing featured drops of the week. Cocktails are available throughout the day, including the ‘Michelada Verde,’ which combines a spicy verde mix, draught beer, and sea salt.
The venue’s outdoor seating, complete with round brass tables, creates a European atmosphere ideal for al fresco dining year-round, thanks to quality outdoor heating. Small fixed table tops and box seating along the shop front cater to both quick espresso stops and leisurely afternoon aperitifs.
Finally, a focus on vinyl
In line with other venues in the Yolk Group, Ophelia incorporates a strong focus on vinyl music. A floor-to-ceiling record wall features refurbished vintage speakers and a turntable, spinning an eclectic mix of tunes from morning to afternoon. Guests can also purchase take-home goodies like coffee, preserves, and olive oil, all of which are used in the menu.
Ophelia is now open to the public at the corner of High Street and Barry Street from 7am to 4pm daily. Plans are underway to introduce a night-time offering during the summer months, allowing guests to enjoy a more ambient atmosphere while the vinyl continues to play.
