Omnia, South Yarra – Elegant Dining on Chapel Street
A stylish South Yarra restaurant that balances fine dining touches with an easy, relaxed feel.
Step inside Omnia Bistro & Bar and you quickly realise this isn’t just another Chapel Street restaurant. The dining room feels part gallery, part garden, with contemporary artwork on the walls and greenery softening the sleek architecture of the Capital Grand building. I visited for a birthday celebration and discovered something I appreciated straight away: Omnia lets you choose your own style of dining. A light meal, a few shared plates, or something more substantial — the evening can unfold exactly as you wish.
Omnia South Yarra: Marjie’s review
At Omnia, Prahran meets South Yarra and Toorak Road meets Chapel Street. Omnia is located right inside the Capital Grand building, an ultra-modern building which houses a hotel, private apartments, upmarket stores, clubs and gyms, a gallery and restaurants.
I found it a delightful place to have a meal. The restaurant is elegant yet relaxed, the meal can be light or it can be substantial, the flavours are delicate but the food is satisfying and there is a sense of being embedded within both a gallery and a hanging garden.
The gallery items are sourced from the adjoining Bromley Gallery. I found them modern and uplifting, and they’re sure to keep the conversation moving.
The atmosphere and layout
It’s an extensive restaurant with a bar and smaller tables fronting large windows to Chapel Street, while in the rear, the tables are larger and look on to the active group of chefs.
I was there for a joint birthday celebration and originally planned to see a film at the nearby Cinema Como afterwards. What was intended to be a quick bite to eat before the film instead lengthened into a delectable three-hour stopover.
What was the food like?
I thought the whole meal was a taste sensation, from the salsa verde, parmesan custard and duck liver pâté through to the yuzu curd and cassis sorbet.
Did it break the bank?
No it didn’t, despite the feeling of sharing the restaurant with a clientele with an appreciation of the finer things of life. It could have come closer to breaking the bank if I’d chosen a main course rather than snacks, entrées and desserts, and if I’d delved more fully into the extensive wine list.
The restaurant’s flexible attitude to diners who prefer a lighter meal gives you lots of options, along with the opportunity to keep it even lighter at the bar.
Getting there and parking
Is it easy to park? No, parking isn’t easy and it can be expensive.
Catch the train to South Yarra Station (300 metres away) or come via Tram Route 58 or 78. The restaurant is on the ground level.
Noise levels
If you’d like it to be quiet, arrive as we did at 5.30 p.m. Prepare for a rise in the decibels after 6.30 when the music seems to be turned to a higher volume and the restaurant starts to fill up.
Lunch time? Probably quieter. I regret that I can’t comment.
Side trip
If you’re planning to make an outing of it, this pocket of South Yarra has plenty to keep you entertained before or after your meal.
Catch a film at Como Cinema
Just a short walk away, Palace Cinema Como is a favourite local cinema showing a thoughtful mix of mainstream releases and art-house films.
Browse the Bromley Gallery
Art lovers will enjoy a visit to the nearby Bromley & Co Gallery, which showcases the vibrant and playful works of Australian artist David Bromley. The gallery sits within the same Capital Grand complex as Omnia. You can reach it via the escalator or stairs outside the restaurant, or take the lift located at another entrance to the building.
Take a stroll along Chapel Street
Step outside and you’re right on Chapel Street, one of Melbourne’s best-known shopping and dining strips. Even if you’re not planning a serious shopping expedition, it’s a lively street for a wander.
Omnia Bistro and Bar
Reservations advised.
625 Chapel Street, South Yarra 3141
(03) 8080 8080
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