Ottie’s Bistro at Crowne Plaza Melbourne
Crowne Plaza Melbourne, the city’s only Yarra River-front hotel, has unveiled its latest offering: Ottie’s, a newly opened bistro that sets a new standard for dining in the city. We were invited to experience the new restaurant for ourselves as part of our fabulous staycation.
Established by ETO Collective, the culinary creative team behind Ronnie’s at InterContinental Melbourne, this all-occasion eatery combines the vibrant flavours of Australia with classic bistro charm.
Pre-service at Ottie's.
A pre-dinner cocktail at the atmospheric Dive Bar was a highlight with the Devils Kick and Aperol Spritz cocktails perfectly crafted, hitting the spot.
Dinner at Ottie's was a triumph under the direction of Matthew Butcher with smart dishes featuring Australian ingredients, and perfectly paired wines.
The Mushroom Pate with enoki mushrooms and grilled focaccia was a surprising delight, rich and earthy.
The Humpty Doo Barramundi with beurre blanc and petits pois a la Francoise was a symphony of delicate flavors, while the Slow Cooked Wagyu Beef Cheek with creamy polenta was hearty and indulgent. The frites on the side were a guilty pleasure that complemented the mains perfectly.
Dessert was a playful Apple Crumble Sundae, with quality apple and crumble layered with luscious vanilla bean ice cream.
The TarraWarra Single Block Blend and Kaesler Reach for the Sky Shiraz were highlights, elevating our dining experience.
The service was impeccable from start to finish.
Breakfast in Otties the next morning, with barista coffee from Pow Wow cafe, was a delightful finale to our stay, featuring a superb array of breakfast items.
The opening of Ottie’s marks the final piece in an extensive refurbishment that began back in 2019. Crowne Plaza Melbourne now boasts a completely transformed landscape, featuring 432 redesigned guest rooms and suites, refreshed guest areas, multiple state-of-the-art conference facilities, a chic new bar and café, and an inviting outdoor pool and fitness centre.
Erkin Aytekin, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Melbourne, has expressed his enthusiasm for Ottie’s, affirming its significance in the hotel’s revitalised offerings: “Ottie’s was inspired by all-day cafés and bistros of buzzing cities around the world; with its blend of Australian and European flavours, patrons can travel across the world without having to leave Melbourne. It’s a fantastic addition to the hotel’s existing dining experiences.”
Crafted by Director of Culinary & Creative Experiences, Matthew Butcher, Ottie’s menu epitomises refined versatility and sophistication. Each dish showcases the finest local Australian ingredients, from esteemed producers like Mt Olive and Gippsland Beef, to a curated selection of artisanal offerings.
The bistro’s weekly ‘Specials Du Jour’ menu changes with the seasons, presenting guests with a rotation of hearty, flavoursome mains. Standouts include a Hazledene roast chicken, sourced from their regional Victorian farm, served with crisp frites and salad, and Geelong-based succulent Otway pork belly, accompanied by roast potatoes, honey carrots, green beans and pea jus. Better yet, from Monday through Thursday, patrons can savour the day’s special with a complimentary glass of house wine or beer, all for just $39.00.
Complementing the culinary experience is Ottie’s fully licensed bar, boasting an extensive selection of beverages, with a focus on Victoria’s local spirits and wines. Notable labels on the list include Penfolds, Oakridge and Yarra Yering. Ottie’s bespoke cocktail menu includes all the classics, as well as the Ottie’s Iced Tea, crafted with fresh citrus, seasonal fruits, tea, and Grainshaker vodka to provide a refreshing end to the day.
The atmosphere at Ottie's seamlessly marries luxury with warmth, offering a welcoming space for foodies and travellers alike to indulge. With ample seating to accommodate up to 150 guests, Ottie’s is an idyllic setting to commemorate private events and celebrations in style
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, Ottie’s caters to every dining occasion. Whether planning a casual brunch for friends, a full-fledged corporate celebration, or a romantic dinner for two, Ottie’s is poised to become a Melbourne staple for locals and tourists.