A beautifully plated seasonal dish with roasted heirloom vegetables and fresh herbs on a rustic ceramic plate
Seasonal dining in Melbourne

A menu that plays its cards right.

At The Cinder Parlour, every plate is a fresh deal from Victoria's best farms, waters, and growers. Our menu changes with the seasons, so you always get the strongest hand nature has to offer. Dine in a calm, natural room, then step into our exclusive offline poker room for a friendly game of Texas Hold'em.

Our philosophy

We believe the best meals are dealt by nature.

Our kitchen follows the rhythm of Victorian seasons. Instead of forcing ingredients to appear year-round, we let the market lead: heirloom vegetables from small farms, sustainable seafood from local waters, and ethically raised meats from producers we know by name. The menu is refreshed quarterly, so each visit feels like a new hand being dealt.

Just as a good poker player reads the table, our chefs read the season. What appears on your plate is a response to weather, harvest, and the quiet generosity of the land. This means some dishes stay for only a few weeks, while others evolve as produce reaches its peak.

“From our kitchen to your table, every dish is a winning hand. We don't chase trends; we chase flavour that arrives with the season.”

— Our head chef
Flat lay of fresh seasonal ingredients including heirloom tomatoes, leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs on a textured clay surface
Signature dishes

Three hands worth holding

A short selection from the current menu, each named for a poker hand that reflects its character. Availability shifts with the season, but the standard of play never drops.

Luxurious seafood platter with oysters, prawns, and smoked salmon on ice with lemon and herbs

The Royal Flush

A decadent seafood platter fit for high rollers. Locally sourced oysters, prawns, and smoked salmon are served over ice with a bright citrus and herb dressing. It is the highest hand on our menu and a perfect way to open the evening.

Market selection, changes daily
Grilled grass-fed steak sliced to reveal medium-rare interior with garlic prawns and roasted seasonal vegetables

The Full House

A hearty main course that brings together the best of land and sea. Grilled grass-fed steak is paired with garlic prawns and roasted seasonal vegetables. It is a strong hand, built for guests who want a complete, satisfying plate.

Seasonal cut and vegetables
Vibrant vegetarian dish with roasted heirloom carrots, beetroot, and quinoa drizzled with tahini dressing and topped with microgreens

The Straight Flush

A vegetarian delight that is a winning combination. Roasted heirloom carrots, beetroot, and quinoa are finished with a smooth tahini dressing and microgreens. Rare and valuable, just like the hand it is named for.

Vegetarian, can be vegan on request
Dining experience

A calm, natural interior that feels like a private club.

Warm lighting, natural materials, and botanical accents set the tone at The Cinder Parlour. The dining room is designed for conversation, with tables spaced generously and a quiet hum that never overwhelms. Subtle card-suit motifs appear in the decor, a gentle nod to the room next door.

The dining room sits adjacent to our exclusive card room, allowing guests to transition naturally from dinner to poker. You can book for dining only, or reserve a poker table and arrive early for a meal before the cards are dealt.

“The perfect place for a great meal and a friendly game. We came for dinner and stayed for the table.”

— A recent guest
Interior of The Cinder Parlour dining room with warm wooden tables, soft ambient lighting, botanical accents, and subtle poker-themed decor
Seasonal calendar

A new hand every quarter

Our menu follows the Victorian seasons. Here is what to expect as the year turns.

Spring

Fresh greens and light dishes. Asparagus, peas, and new potatoes lead the menu, bringing a sense of renewal like a new hand being dealt.

Summer

Bright flavours and grilled specialties. Tomatoes, stone fruits, and seafood take centre stage during the high season, like a hot streak at the table.

Autumn

Hearty dishes with earthy flavours. Mushrooms, root vegetables, and game meats arrive with the harvest, like collecting chips after a strong round.

Winter

Comforting and warming dishes. Braised meats, rich sauces, and bright citrus gather guests indoors, like a long poker night by the fire.

Dietary accommodations

We play fair with every guest.

Our kitchen is happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly needs. Because the menu changes with the seasons, our team can guide you through the current dishes and suggest adjustments where possible. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements when booking so we can prepare the table properly.

  • Vegetarian and vegan options available daily
  • Gluten-free adjustments on many dishes
  • Allergy awareness and ingredient transparency
  • Dedicated staff support for dietary questions
Reservations

Ready to join us?

Book your table for dinner, or reserve a seat at the poker table. You can also combine both: arrive early for a seasonal meal, then step into the card room when the game begins.

12 Ember Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
+61255501234 [email protected]
Poker room

After dinner, the real game begins.

Step into our exclusive card room for a friendly game of Texas Hold'em. Tournaments and casual play are available, and the buy-in is a chips-only table allocation — never money, wagering, or online gambling. It is a social, in-person experience designed for adults who enjoy good food and good company.

Explore the poker room
FAQ

What else do you need to know?

Yes, we recommend booking in advance, especially for weekends. Reservations can be made by phone at +61255501234 or by email at [email protected]. If you would like to reserve a poker table, please mention it when booking.

Smart casual is recommended. There is no strict dress code, but guests are encouraged to dress comfortably and appropriately for a premium dining room and card room.

Yes, the poker room is open to guests who want to play. It has its own schedule, so please check the Poker Room page for current details. The buy-in is a chips-only table allocation — no money is involved.