Overview
ARU Restaurant is a bold and exciting expression of contemporary Australian dining, located in Melbourne’s CBD just off Swanston Street. Created by Chef Khanh Nguyen (also behind SUNDA), ARU is where culinary tradition meets fearless innovation—drawing on the flavours of Southeast Asia, the essence of Indigenous Australia, and the elemental power of fire and smoke.
The food at ARU is daring yet deeply thoughtful. The menu leans into native ingredients like wattleseed, desert lime, and paperbark, while exploring ancient techniques such as dry-aging, fermenting, and open-fire grilling. Dishes are designed for sharing and feature intriguing combinations—think dry-aged duck with blood lime, otak otak with smoked scallop, and lamb ribs glazed with tamarind caramel. There’s a tasting menu for those seeking a full journey through ARU’s creative lens, alongside a concise à la carte offering.
The drinks program is equally curated, offering an eclectic list of wines (many natural or low-intervention), sake, house ferments, and boundary-pushing cocktails infused with ingredients like pandan, lemongrass, and bush tomato. Beverage pairings are available to complement the tasting experience.
ARU’s interior matches the food—minimalist yet warm, with earthy tones, natural textures, and an open kitchen anchoring the room. Service is smooth and engaging, reflective of the restaurant’s high standards without pretension.
Awarded multiple accolades since opening, ARU is more than a restaurant—it’s a sensory experience that celebrates both Australia’s deep-rooted culinary heritage and its multicultural future. Adventurous, elegant, and fiercely local, ARU is one of Melbourne’s most original dining destinations.
Last update July 2025
