South Melbourne's New Underground Restaurant & Bar: Castlerose

Providing subterranean meals, snacks, and late-night drinks

Hospitality veteran Glen Bagnara (Hemingway's Wine Room, Clementine & Bar Bianco) and developer, Fortis, draws back the velvet curtain to unveil the opulent underground restaurant and bar " Castlerose. This hidden gem is nestled beneath its daytime counterpart Clementine at 67 Palmerston Crescent, South Melbourne. ​ 

From 4pm, descend a spiral staircase to access the newly opened elegant, dim-lit space, which takes style cues from the sophistication of 20th-century dining and accommodates 40 diners across leather banquettes and bar stools. With architecture by Co:Aika, the use of dark timbers, marble, and Italian terrazzo evokes the opulence of grand European venues, providing an elegant setting for enjoying meals, snacks, and late-night drinks. 

"Our menu also boasts signature offerings such as branded duck cigars, lobster rolls, and ceviche. Given the clandestine nature of our underground bar, some of our menu items will also come to the table covertly; bar snacks will be surreptitiously served in cigar boxes whilst the duck rillette will intrigue, artfully presented in sealed tins," explains Glen Bagnara.

The menu, from Head Chef David Yuan, features classical European dishes; seasonal, generous and designed to share, these include: 

"A concise list of constantly evolving favourites from around the globe. Think well-loved Champagne brands, German Pinot Noir, stunning French and Italian Whites. Of course Burgundy will be represented and some stunning examples of Italian reds. These wines will sit comfortably alongside some local favourites and some quirkier new drops we have discovered recently on our wine journey. A list of 6 bespoke house cocktails will sit alongside classics as per the 'Melbourne Way," adds Glen Bagnara

"We want Castlerose to be the place where guests can enjoy a glass of wine, or two, after work, and stay to graze upon charcuterie and cheese as well as bar snacks, should they so desire. It's a place where you can enjoy a casual meal with friends or impress and entertain over a working dinner, or for locals to call their own. ​ No bottle of Barolo, side of lobster or bump of caviar is out of bounds as we can also offer bespoke experiences," says Glen Bagnara 

Clementine and Castlerose will complement each other, enabling patrons to effortlessly transition downstairs between Wednesdays and Fridays. At Clementine, Happy Hour commences at 3 pm, whilst Castlerose opens at 4 pm. Cheers to the perfect transition! 

Visit Castlerose at 67 Palmerston Crescent in South Melbourne this summer. 

About Castlerose
​Nestled underneath the din of the streets at 67 Palmerston Crescent, sits South Melbourne's new Restuarant and Bar Castlerose. The grandiose, dark yet dignified den is a backdrop of elegance for all occasions. The arrival marks the second venue by Hospitality veteran Glen Bagnara (Hemingway's Wine Room, Bar Bianco) and developer Fortis, with Clementine, a daytime cafe and diner, being the first. 

​Address: 67 Palmerston Cres, South Melbourne VIC 3205
​Website: www.castlerose.com.au
​Instagram:@castlerosewinebar
​Phone: 03 9982 9369

Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 4 pm till late