Aru is one of the newest restaurants in Melbourne, by the acclaimed team behind Sunda, and with a sleek fitout and private dining area. Inspired by the ancient seafaring routes between China, Indonesia and northern Australia, the menu draws on dishes from the Asian region and beyond, cooked over the large wood fire hearth and dry-aged and smoked in-house.
It’s all designed to share, with lots of snacks, small plates, whole grilled fish, steak and Morton Bay Bugs. One of Melbourne’s best bartenders mans the bar, and an in house cellar gives diners access to an impressive wine list.