Higher Ground Melbourne: An Unforgettable Seafood Brunch Experience

Melbourne’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry, and nestled within its bustling heart, Higher Ground stands as a true icon. More than just a cafe or restaurant, it’s an architectural marvel transformed into an extraordinary dining destination. Located at the grand and inviting **650 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia**, Higher Ground offers an ambience that is both breathtakingly grand and surprisingly intimate. Housed within a former power station, its soaring ceilings, exposed brickwork, and intelligent multi-level design create an airy, industrial-chic atmosphere that feels both historic and cutting-edge. It’s the kind of place where natural light floods in, illuminating carefully curated greenery and a lively, sophisticated buzz.

Whether you’re starting your day with a perfectly brewed coffee or settling in for a leisurely brunch, Higher Ground caters to every mood. Their doors are open **Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 8 AM to 4 PM**, making it an ideal spot for any mid-morning or early afternoon rendezvous. For reservations or inquiries, you can reach their friendly team at **(03) 8644 4022**. Preparing for a delightful culinary journey often involves considering the nutritional aspects of your meal. For those who like to keep track, here’s a helpful tool:

Calculate Your Calories & Protein Here!

Menu Highlights: A Seafood Brunch Odyssey

Higher Ground Melbourne has truly elevated the concept of brunch, particularly with its exquisite focus on seafood. Their menu is a testament to fresh, high-quality produce, artfully prepared to delight both the eye and the palate. Imagine a brunch experience where the ocean’s bounty takes centre stage, crafted into dishes that are both innovative and comforting. From delicate oysters to hearty mains, each category is thoughtfully curated, promising a culinary adventure that captures the essence of coastal elegance right in the heart of the city. The commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients shines through every dish, creating a symphony of flavours that is both sophisticated and approachable. Dive into a world where brunch is transformed into an extraordinary gastronomic event, perfect for those seeking a luxurious and memorable start to their day.

The Raw Bar & Ocean’s Freshness

Embrace the pristine flavours of the sea with Higher Ground’s impressive raw bar selection. This section of the menu celebrates the inherent purity of seafood, served at its freshest, allowing the natural briny sweetness and delicate textures to shine. Each oyster, prawn, or scallop is selected with meticulous care, promising a truly unadulterated taste of the ocean. Accompaniments are thoughtfully chosen to complement without overpowering, enhancing the inherent beauty of these exquisite ingredients. It’s a perfect start to a seafood brunch, awakening the palate with crisp, clean notes.

Sydney Rock Oysters (½ dozen): Briny, plump, fresh oysters with a vibrant shallot mignonette.
Pacific Oysters (½ dozen): Creamy, sweet oysters, served simply with fresh lemon wedges.
Scallop Ceviche: Delicate scallops cured in lime, chilli, and refreshing coriander.
Kingfish Crudo: Sliced kingfish, zesty yuzu dressing, crispy ginger, and chives.
Prawn Cocktail Remastered: Succulent prawns, avocado, a fiery Bloody Mary dressing.
Tuna Tataki: Seared tuna slices, sesame crust, ponzu dipping sauce.

Small Plates & Coastal Starters

This collection of small plates offers a playful yet refined exploration of seafood, perfect for sharing or as individual appetisers. Each dish is a miniature masterpiece, showcasing creative combinations of textures and tastes. From crispy fritters to delicate tarts, these starters are designed to tantalise and prepare your palate for the culinary journey ahead. They offer a fantastic opportunity to sample a variety of Higher Ground’s innovative approaches to seafood, blending traditional techniques with contemporary flair.

Crab Croquettes: Golden, crispy croquettes filled with rich, flaky crab meat.
Smoked Salmon & Dill Tartlets: Flaky pastry, creamy filling, topped with premium smoked salmon.
Whitebait Fritters: Crispy fried whitebait, lemon aioli, perfect for dipping.
Sardine Toasts: Grilled sourdough, marinated sardines, fresh herbs, and tomato confit.
Calamari Fritti: Lightly fried calamari rings, served with a zesty tartare sauce.
Prawn & Chilli Arepas: Soft corn cakes, spicy prawns, avocado crema, hint of lime.
Octopus Salpicon: Tender octopus, vibrant peppers, red onion, and citrus vinaigrette.

Signature Brunch Mains

The heart of Higher Ground’s seafood brunch menu lies in its impressive array of main courses. These dishes are substantial, satisfying, and brilliantly executed, making them perfect for a decadent brunch experience. From innovative takes on classic breakfast items featuring seafood to more sophisticated lunch-style entrees, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Each plate is a harmonious blend of textures and flavours, designed to be both visually stunning and incredibly delicious, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence.

Lobster Benedict: Poached eggs, buttery brioche, generous lobster, hollandaise sauce.
Blue Swimmer Crab Scramble: Fluffy scrambled eggs, sweet crab, chilli, and sourdough.
Pan-Seared Barramundi: Crispy skin barramundi, seasonal greens, lemon butter sauce.
Grilled Swordfish Steak: Thick swordfish, roasted vegetables, salsa verde.
Seafood Shakshuka: Baked eggs, spicy tomato sauce, mussels, prawns, calamari.
Smoked Haddock & Potato Hash: Flaky smoked haddock, crispy potatoes, poached egg.
Prawn & Grits: Creamy polenta grits, sautéed prawns, spicy tomato reduction.
Oven-Baked Salmon with Asparagus: Perfectly baked salmon, tender asparagus, fresh herbs.
Mushroom & Truffle Risotto with Scallops: Creamy risotto, earthy truffle, perfectly seared scallops.
Chargrilled Octopus & Chorizo Salad: Tender octopus, spicy chorizo, fresh greens, citrus dressing.
Crab Omelette with Caviar: Fluffy omelette, delicate crab meat, hint of luxurious caviar.
Fish & Chips, Higher Ground Style: Crispy battered fish, hand-cut chips, gourmet tartare.

Sides & Accompaniments

No brunch is complete without the perfect supporting cast of sides. Higher Ground’s accompaniments are designed to complement and enhance the main dishes, offering a range of fresh, seasonal, and expertly prepared options. From vibrant salads to comforting staples, these sides add an extra layer of enjoyment and balance to your seafood feast, ensuring a truly well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Crispy Kipfler Potatoes: Roasted kipfler potatoes with rosemary and sea salt.
Green Beans with Almonds: Blanched green beans, toasted almonds, lemon zest.
Seasonal Leaf Salad: Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, light vinaigrette.
Sourdough Toast & Butter: Artisanal sourdough, perfectly toasted, with cultured butter.
House-made Pickles: Assortment of crunchy, tangy, house-brined vegetables.

Sweet Endings & Brunch Desserts

To perfectly round off your seafood brunch experience, Higher Ground offers a selection of refined desserts that are light yet satisfying. These sweet creations provide a delightful contrast to the savoury mains, leaving a lasting impression of sophisticated indulgence. Each dessert is crafted with precision, balancing sweetness with refreshing elements to ensure a memorable conclusion to your meal.

Lemon Meringue Tart: Tangy lemon curd, fluffy meringue, crisp pastry.
Seasonal Fruit Platter: Freshly sliced seasonal fruits, light and refreshing.
Chocolate & Hazelnut Brownie: Rich, fudgy brownie with roasted hazelnuts.

Brunch Beverages

Accompany your exquisite meal with Higher Ground’s curated selection of beverages. From expertly brewed coffee to refreshing juices and sophisticated brunch cocktails, there’s a perfect drink to complement every dish and mood. Their baristas are skilled in crafting traditional coffee favourites, while the cocktail menu offers creative concoctions that elevate the brunch experience.

Higher Ground Blend Coffee: Signature coffee blend, expertly brewed to perfection.
Freshly Squeezed Juices: Orange, apple, watermelon, or mixed berry.
Mimosa Royale: Fresh orange juice, premium sparkling wine.
Bloody Mary (Classic or Spicy): House-made mix, vodka, garnished perfectly.

Beyond the sensational menu, Higher Ground captivates with its remarkable interior. Soaring ceilings and a multi-level layout create an expansive yet inviting atmosphere. The design seamlessly blends industrial elements with lush greenery and warm lighting, making it feel both grand and remarkably comfortable. Service is impeccable – attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly without being intrusive. While certainly on the premium end, the pricing reflects the exceptional quality of ingredients, innovative cuisine, and the unparalleled dining experience. The overall vibe is sophisticated yet approachable, buzzing with energy, making it perfect for both intimate catch-ups and vibrant group gatherings.

In conclusion, Higher Ground Melbourne truly redefines the brunch experience, particularly for seafood aficionados. While every dish shines, the **Lobster Benedict** stands out as an iconic must-try, offering a luxurious twist on a classic. The **Kingfish Crudo** and **Blue Swimmer Crab Scramble** also come highly recommended for their fresh flavours and innovative presentations. This extraordinary venue is perfect for foodies, those celebrating a special occasion, or anyone seeking a memorable and upscale culinary adventure. It’s ideal for a romantic brunch, a stylish family gathering, or a sophisticated catch-up with friends. Higher Ground consistently delivers an experience that combines breathtaking aesthetics with truly exceptional food and service, making it a standout gem in Melbourne’s vibrant dining landscape. It’s a place where every visit feels like an indulgence, leaving you eager to return.

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