African Sunsets in Melbourne’s CBD: The Meat & Wine Co to Unveil Immersive New Dining Destination

The Meat & Wine Co

Melbourne's reputation as one of the world's great food cities will gain a striking new visitor experience this August, with premium steakhouse The Meat & Wine Co opening its new flagship Collins Street restaurant inspired by the colours, landscapes and atmosphere of the African savannah.

Rather than a traditional restaurant fit-out, the new 220-seat venue has been designed around the brand's signature 'African Sky' concept, transporting guests through immersive architecture, dramatic lighting and sensory storytelling that reflects The Meat & Wine Co's South African heritage.

Developed by international design studio COOOP.co, the experience is designed to evoke the changing moods of an African sunset, with a large-scale draped ceiling installation illuminated by theatrical lighting that transforms throughout the day and into the evening.

Positioned in the heart of Melbourne's luxury retail, hotel and commercial precinct at 88 Collins Street, the new venue is set to become a destination for interstate and international visitors seeking experience-led dining alongside the city's celebrated culinary offering.

Construction is underway on the restaurant amid continued growth for The Meat & Wine Co and its parent company, Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group.

Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group CEO Ravi Singh says Collins Street represents a natural next step for The Meat & Wine Co's Melbourne presence, with the latest flagship continuing the brand's elevation toward more immersive, design-led and experience-driven dining environments.

The Meat & Wine Co

"Melbourne remains one of the most sophisticated hospitality markets in the country. The Meat & Wine Co already has a strong presence across Southbank, South Yarra, Chadstone and Hawthorn East, and Collins St will become our first 'Safari' design-inspired Melbourne location, which is an exciting milestone for the brand. The other 'Safari' concepts are in Sydney and Perth.

"It's a location that values quality, design, atmosphere and service in equal measure. Collins Street provides an opportunity to bring together all those elements in a location that sits at the intersection of business, culture and tourism.

“Melbourne diners are highly engaged and experience driven. They expect detail in every element, from service to design to provenance. Collins Street will give us the opportunity to meet that expectation at scale, in a location that naturally supports both corporate and celebratory dining," says Mr Singh.

Founded in 2000, The Meat & Wine Co has built its reputation by combining premium Australian produce with influences drawn from South African hospitality traditions, culinary techniques and design language. That heritage extends beyond the menu, informing the brand's interiors, service philosophy and overall guest experience.

COOOP.co Australia Principal and Creative Director, Callie van der Merwe, says the African Sky concept was created to capture emotion rather than replicate a destination.

"The African Sky concept is about capturing a feeling rather than recreating a place.

"We looked at the way light moves across landscapes, the transition between day and night, and the sense of warmth and connection this creates. The result is a space that changes with its guests and creates a strong sense of atmosphere," says Mr van der Merwe.

Ravi Singh

Located among Melbourne's leading luxury hotels, corporate headquarters and high-end retail destinations, the flagship has been designed to accommodate business travellers, visitors celebrating special occasions and premium group dining, with multiple private dining rooms complementing the main restaurant.

The menu will showcase The Meat & Wine Co's signature steak programme alongside South African-inspired flavours, reinforcing the venue as a premium culinary experience that blends destination dining with immersive design in the heart of Melbourne.

The Meat & Wine Co Collins Street is planned to open in August 2026.

For more information, visit: https://themeatandwineco.com/melbourne-restaurants/collins-st/

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