10.12.12

Places: Agent 284, Smith Street, Collingwood

Where: 284 Smith Street, Collingwood, VIC, 3066
Open: 7.30am-5pm Mon-Wed / 7.30am- late Thurs-Fri/ 8am-late Sat. / Sun 8am- 5pm
Breakfast 8am-4pm / Lunch 12pm-4pm / Dinner 5pm – 10:30pm
Cuisine: Homestyle Modern Australian
Contact: Phone (03) 9416 0058, www.agent284.com.au
Functions: Yes – Birdcage (15 pax), Basement Bar (120 pax), Restaurant (56 pax)

Looking for something new on Smith Street? You should stop in at Agent 284 – a three level restaurant, cocktail bar and basement bar. The owner, Dan Lemura, has converted the historic old Cromarty’s building into this gorgeously outfitted three level venue. Think stylish exposed brick, leather and wood furnishings and quirky birdcage light fittings. It is warm and inviting. Pull up a seat and enjoy an evening in with some friends. It feels like it could become a second home.

The menu focuses on delicious home-style modern Australian cuisine, using locally sourced produce. This is the perfect venue for any time you are hungry – breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served until 4pm so you can still sleep in on your weekends. For Lunch and Dinner you’ll be looked after by attentive waiters and served delicious mama style meals – big plates, home cooked and made by hand pastas and hearty mains, and huge, gorgeous desserts.

Above: Upstairs New York Style Cocktail Bar

To give you a map of the venue, on the ground floor you will find the restaurant, for all those amazing home cooked meals (You must try the Jalapeno Peppers). In the basement you’ll find an old style yet modern speakeasy bar with leather banquettes, gilded frames and a stage. And upstairs is the New York style loft bar serving up all the old classic cocktails as well as some new signature drinks as well – perfect for a first date. Within this space, you can reserve the ‘Birdcage’ if you want a more intimate space for drinks with a group of friends. The upstairs cocktail bar is the hidden secret of this great venue.

Above: Speakeasy Basement Bar

Above: Ground Floor Restaurant

The drinks list is an impressive array of cocktails and a large variety of local & boutique beer and ciders (there is not a single imported beer on the menu)... Try the 2 Brothers Kung Foo or the Murray’s Whale Ale for a nice summery beer on a hot day.

The serving sizes are large, tasty and won’t break the bank. This is a restaurant at pub prices, perfect for mid week dining or after work drinks and dinner. Once you've eaten there you'll definitely head back.