The Espy St Kilda: Your Ultimate Guide to the Menu & More

The iconic Espy, formally known as the Hotel Esplanade, stands proudly on the shores of St Kilda, Melbourne, offering stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere. More than just a hotel, The Espy is a multifaceted entertainment destination, boasting multiple bars, restaurants, live music stages, and even a podcast studio. Nestled at 11 The Esplanade, St Kilda, VIC 3182, it’s a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re after a casual meal, a sophisticated cocktail, or a night of live music, The Espy has something for everyone. They’re generally open seven days a week, with varying hours depending on the specific bar or restaurant within the complex. It’s always best to check their website or call them on (03) 9534 0211 for the most up-to-date information. Prepare to be captivated by its history, charm, and diverse offerings!

Menu Highlights at The Espy

The Espy’s menu is as diverse and exciting as the venue itself, offering a range of culinary delights to suit all tastes. Here’s a glimpse into some of the highlights, broken down by category:

Starters

• Oysters Natural: Freshly shucked oysters served with lemon and mignonette dressing.
• Fried Chicken Bao Buns: Fluffy bao buns filled with crispy fried chicken and slaw.
• Salt & Pepper Calamari: Lightly battered calamari seasoned with salt and pepper, served with aioli.
• Arancini Balls: Golden-fried risotto balls filled with cheese and served with marinara sauce.
• Spiced Hummus with Pita Bread: Creamy hummus spiced to perfection, served with warm pita bread.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty bread slathered with garlic butter and toasted to golden perfection.
• Mac & Cheese Bites: Creamy mac and cheese formed into bite-sized pieces and fried.
• Wedges with Sour Cream & Sweet Chilli: Crispy potato wedges served with sour cream and sweet chilli sauce.
• Soup of the Day: A seasonal soup made with fresh ingredients, perfect for a cold day.
• Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.

Mains

• Fish and Chips: Classic beer-battered fish served with chips, tartare sauce, and lemon.
• Chicken Parmigiana: Crumbed chicken breast topped with tomato sauce, ham, and melted cheese.
• Steak Frites: Grilled steak served with crispy fries and your choice of sauce.
• Vegetarian Pasta: Pasta tossed with seasonal vegetables and a creamy sauce.
• Beef Burger: Juicy beef patty with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and special sauce on a bun.
• Chicken Burger: Grilled chicken breast with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and aioli on a bun.
• Vegan Burger: Plant-based patty with lettuce, tomato, vegan cheese, and vegan mayo on a bun.
• Lamb Roast: Slow-roasted lamb served with roasted vegetables and gravy.
• Salmon with Roasted Vegetables: Grilled salmon fillet served with a medley of roasted vegetables.
• Pork Ribs: Tender pork ribs glazed with a sweet and savory barbecue sauce.

Pizza

• Margherita Pizza: Classic pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
• Pepperoni Pizza: Pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices.
• Hawaiian Pizza: Pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, ham, and pineapple.
• Vegetarian Pizza: Pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and assorted vegetables.
• Meat Lovers Pizza: Pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various meat toppings.
• Supreme Pizza: Pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and all the toppings!
• Garlic Prawn Pizza: Pizza with garlic infused oil, mozzarella cheese, and prawns.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza: Pizza with BBQ sauce, mozzarella cheese, and shredded chicken.
• Mushroom Pizza: Pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and sliced mushrooms.
• Spicy Salami Pizza: Pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and spicy salami.

Desserts

• Chocolate Lava Cake: Warm chocolate cake with a molten chocolate center, served with ice cream.
• Sticky Date Pudding: Rich and moist date pudding served with butterscotch sauce and ice cream.
• Cheesecake: Creamy cheesecake with a graham cracker crust and your choice of topping.
• Tiramisu: Classic Italian dessert with coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder.
• Ice Cream Sundae: Vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and cherries.
• Apple Crumble: Warm apple crumble topped with a buttery crumble topping, served with custard.
• Brownie: Rich chocolate brownie served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Panna Cotta: Silky smooth panna cotta served with fresh berries.
• Affogato: A scoop of vanilla ice cream topped with a shot of hot espresso.
• Lemon Tart: Tangy lemon tart with a flaky crust, served with whipped cream.

The Espy’s interior is a blend of old-world charm and modern aesthetics, reflecting its rich history while embracing contemporary design. Expect to find exposed brick walls, vintage furniture, and art installations that create a unique and inviting atmosphere. The service is generally attentive and friendly, with staff members who are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to assist. Pricing is mid-range to high-end, depending on which restaurant or bar you choose within the complex. The overall vibe is lively and energetic, making it a popular spot for both casual gatherings and special occasions. You will definitely feel the buzz and good vibes!

The Espy is famous for its iconic location, live music scene, and diverse dining options. The fish and chips, chicken parmigiana, and beef burger are perennial favorites, while the cocktail menu is a must-try for those seeking creative and delicious drinks. The Espy is perfect for anyone looking for a memorable dining and entertainment experience. Whether you’re a local looking for a night out or a tourist exploring Melbourne, The Espy is sure to impress. I’d rate it 4 out of 5 stars – a truly iconic Melbourne experience!

Restaurant Planning Notes

This guide is designed to help readers compare Espy , St Kilda in Melbourne with clearer visit planning, menu context, and practical ordering checks. Restaurant details can change quickly, so the final booking, menu, hours, and price details should always be confirmed through a current official source before visiting.

How to Use This Guide

Use this page as a starting point before you travel, book, or place an order. First, decide whether Espy , St Kilda fits the occasion: a quick meal, a casual catch-up, a family dinner, a date night, takeaway, or a more planned restaurant visit. Second, compare the likely menu style with what your group actually wants. Third, confirm the live details that can change: opening hours, booking rules, menu availability, prices, service fees, dietary handling, and delivery coverage.

This matters because restaurant pages become outdated quickly. A static page can still help when it explains how to think about the menu, what to verify, and how to avoid common ordering mistakes. Treat this guide as an editorial checklist, then use the restaurant’s official website, booking page, social profile, or current delivery listing for final confirmation.

Practical Menu Notes

Espy , St Kilda is best approached as a restaurant dining option. Readers should look for mains, shareable plates, drinks, desserts, and visit-specific menu choices. If the current menu is long, avoid choosing only by the first dish name you recognise. A better method is to compare the main categories, then choose one anchor item, one supporting item, and one side or drink that balances the meal.

For first-time visitors, start with the dish category the restaurant is most clearly known for, then add one balancing side. For groups, order across categories instead of choosing several similar dishes. That gives everyone a better sense of the restaurant and usually makes the meal easier to share. If you are ordering takeaway or delivery, choose items that travel well and keep sauces, toppings, or delicate sides separate where possible.

Real-World Visit Checks

• Check current hours: restaurant trading times can change by season, staffing, holidays, and private events.
• Check booking rules: popular venues may need reservations, deposits, seating limits, or cancellation notice.
• Check the latest menu: dishes, prices, lunch specials, tasting menus, and delivery options can change without warning.
• Check the location: restaurants with similar names, branches, or old listings can cause confusion in maps and delivery apps.
• Check value before ordering: compare portion size, sharing style, service fees, and delivery charges rather than looking only at headline menu prices.

Dietary and Allergy Notes

Do not rely only on a third-party guide for allergy, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal, or other dietary guarantees. Even when a menu item sounds suitable, preparation can involve shared fryers, shared utensils, dairy-based sauces, nuts, seafood, eggs, wheat, or other ingredients that are not obvious from a short menu title.

If a dietary requirement matters, ask the restaurant directly before ordering. Useful questions include whether the dish contains the ingredient, whether it is cooked on shared equipment, whether substitutions are possible, and whether staff can record the request clearly. That direct check is more reliable than assuming based on a menu category.

Editorial Note and Author Information

Author: MyReserveTable Editorial Team. This guide is prepared as a practical restaurant planning resource. Readers should confirm live restaurant details such as current menus, prices, hours, booking rules, and dietary handling directly with the restaurant before visiting or ordering.

Verification Notes

• Menus, prices, opening hours, bookings, delivery coverage, and dietary handling can change quickly.
• Before visiting, confirm current details through the restaurant’s official website, booking page, social profile, map listing, or current delivery listing.
• If two public sources disagree, prefer the newest official restaurant source.