CIRCA THE PRINCE

Profile

Nestled within the 40 room boutique hotel The Prince of Wales sits Circa the Prince, an award winning restaurant with a reputation that precedes itself. Circa, as it's informally known, is one of Melbourne's most distinguished restaurants, with a formal dining room made up of white leather couches, plush white leather chairs and classic white linen clad tables. In contrast are the sheer chocolate coloured silk drapes that conceal the St Kilda views and the dark custom-made wicker lamps that hang from the ceiling, subtle light escaping from within.

In the kitchen is Andrew McConnell, part owner and renowned chef in the Melbourne food scene. With a daily changing menu hotel guests need not venture any further for their culinary delights. Breakfast on Baghdad eggs with a spinach and curd cheese fritter. Lunch on the smoked eel carpaccio with Gewüiztraminer jelly, dill and crème fraiche. For dinner, start with the natural Bruny Island oysters served with Royal Sterling caviar. Follow with the roast pigeon breast, confit leg and chestnut tart with shallots and wild mushrooms. Finish with the Circa ‏Snickers', a new take on a loved chocolate bar. An award winning wine list boasting 600 wines complements McConnell's post classical cooking.