Melbourne’s Best Supper Clubs for a Charmed Night Out

Melbourne’s new wave of supper clubs are offering an experience that combines restaurant quality cooking and wine with the intimacy and ease of a dinner party. Whether they’re hosted at a chef’s house, in the back of a bar or in a garden courtyard, you’re invited to pull up a chair with like minded individuals who appreciate a good meal. At these charismatic and expertly-hosted supper clubs, prepare to break bread and pour wine with future friends – you’ll give your socialising chops a solid workout before leaving with both hearts and bellies full.

Henry Home 

Sitting pretty above Henry Sugar, Rathdowne Street's friendly neighbourhood wine bar and restaurant is Henry Home, a beautifully self-contained 3-bedroom apartment that's been lovingly restored to give an experience both elevated and homely, modern and vintage. An added perk if you're a local and aren't planning a weekend getaway to Melbourne, is that on occasion the space will transform into a supper club dining experience to remember. Intimate and convivial, this fine stay transforms into a private event space, that bustles with friendly, knowledgeable people, likeminded diners and irresistible food and wine. Host your next special event in this unique and beautiful space, with packages that range from quixotic private dinners for 6, through to a raging cocktail canape parties for up to 35. Indulge in a private chef and host too (Henry Sugar co-owners Chef Mike Baker and Dan Mason), adding a true touch of Melbourne magic to any event. Whether private or corporate, the versatile function packages on offer at Henry Home will adapt to your needs.

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Club Sup

Your cup will be filled in more ways than one after dinner at Club Sup, a warm and inviting supper club hosted by Sophie McIntyre fortnightly from Waxflower Bar in Brunswick. All you’re asked to bring is an empty stomach and an open mind as you sit down with a dozen strangers to share delicious food, drink interesting wine from local labels and forge new friendships. Seeking to build a sense of real connection and community in our digitally-disconnected age, McIntyre expertly prompts conversation as share plates roll out and the wine keeps pouring.

Enter Via Laundry

Not even Michelin-starred restaurants can lay claim to having thousands on their waitlist, but that’s exactly what happened when Helly Raichura showcased her thrilling regional Indian cooking on Masterchef a few years ago. Back then she was operating a tiny 10 person dinner club out of her own home (hence the name) while juggling a day job. Now, the operation has moved into its own digs in Carlton North, with Raichura accepting 20 guests each night to share food and stories in a beautifully serene, art-filled space. The bold, flavour-packed menu at Enter Via Laundry regularly changes, maintaining a sharp focus on a particular region at any one time.

Pasta Mama

Jenna Holmes’s travelling supper club is inspired by the laidback trattorias of Sardinia, where locals can easily spend all day chatting with friends and family over simple and seasonal food – no menu or wine list needed. Pasta Mama embodies that joyful, intentional chaos, with guests crunching into fresh bruschetta, serving each other saucy strozzapreti and spooning tiramisu straight out of the platter. Holmes is an expert vibes curator too, so you can expect a highly photogenic setting bursting with colourful plants, mismatched ceramics and florals while bouncy Italo disco rings out.

Clandes.dine

Clandes.dine might just be Melbourne’s most secretive supper club. Host Tim McNamara selects a diverse guest list from expressions of interest received through the club’s Instagram, with guests only receiving the location and menu on the day. If you’re lucky enough to be chosen, you’ll be asked to merely contribute to costs (not profit) before being welcomed into McNamara’s cosy loft for an engaging evening of socialising, locally supplied food and drinks by Prahran wine store Diggin in the Cellars. The word-of-mouth supper club is rumoured to have a waiting list that features sports stars, chefs, artists and TV personalities, so prepare to put your best foot forward in your DM.

Gruel Club

This ‘experimental’ supper club offers an alternative approach to dining and hospitality, asking its guests to dive into social and cultural awareness over a shared meal. Gruel regularly partners with chefs looking to express their creativity, meaning every menu is completely different (although there is a focus on vegan and vegetarian food). One thing is for sure – you’ll have both your culinary and intellectual horizons broadened by the end of the night.

Drool

Drool offers the full gamut of culinary experiences, from virtual wine tastings to cannoli making classes and everything in between. Their supper club events are a riot to attend, with themes and activities to suit every interest. You could spend an evening learning to make pasta at Prahran Market before sitting down to dinner with new friends, share plant-based pizzas at Shop 225 with other vegan foodies, or even dig into a South American banquet followed by a Latin dance class. Check their website to see they’re cooking up next.

Convo

Great food, great company, and great conversation are on the table when you dine with this thoughtful supper club. As its name suggests, Convo is all about fostering understanding through the delight of good discussion. Guests are seated at small tables with six conversation cards covering topics from ethics and politics to joyful anecdotes and culture, none of which require prior thought or knowledge. Over three courses you’ll feast, laugh and ponder questions big and small with other open-minded individuals.

Continue your culinary adventures post dining revelry at Melbourne's best supper clubs, with our picks for the tastiest fried chicken, most alluring French restaurants, and must-book eateries across Melbourne. Better yet, treat yourself to a luxurious staycation this weekend with our favourite boutique accommodation in and around the city.