By Carole Levy
Porters Williamstown has carved out a significant niche in the Nelson Place dining precinct since John and Zoey Porter opened the chic restaurant just under 12 months ago.
Head chef Ryan Lane’s contemporary dishes, inspired by the rich diversity of Australian cuisine and taking inspiration from Asia and Europe, deliver a fusion of sophistication and simplicity that continues to win fans.
Zoey says that the Porters team is now thinking ahead to its second Christmas, with plans to give groups a wonderful taste of that international approach to delicious food.
“It might seem early to be even thinking about Christmas, but we want to give our guests the best and that takes planning,” says Zoey.
“We’re going to offer a traditional Christmas Day menu, but with chef Ryan on board, diners can expect his signature flair.”
Porters has huge cred as a space for functions during the Christmas season – or, in fact, any time of year and for any reason. It starts with great food, but Porters also boasts the sublime allure of a sophisticated fitout designed by John and Zoey.
Fabric bucket chairs around well-spaced tables, squashy chesterfields to sink into and designer lightfittings are juxtaposed with concrete floors and rich timber accents – it’s all about comfort and the feel-good mood.
“People can hold a smaller celebration around one of our large communal tables,” Zoey continues. “For groups of up to 40, we set up a cocktail space which includes a fab grazing table and dedicated bar access. And they can even reserve the entire restaurant, with up to 100 guests for larger celebrations.”
Apart from stylish functions, Porters is a café by day and restaurant/bar at night. It opens at 6am on weekdays (7am weekends), serving as a great drop-in for a coffee start and with a nutritious and tasty brekkie/brunch menu leading into lunch.
Then the lights are dimmed for intimate dinners and tipples at the chic bar where a signature cocktail or tapas-style grazing can be had.
Well-curated reserve and premium wines by the glass are on offer, as are espresso martinis or delicious affogato.
The winter menu is receiving rave reviews, with the chef promising warm, earthy ingredients, the finest Aussie seafood, succulent lamb and tender beef. Desserts? They’re the peak of indulgence. Vego and gluten-free friendly? Of course.
Porters, 49 Nelson Place, Williamstown. Inquiries: 9397 1251 or porterswilliamstown.com
