By Carole Levy
Putting a bold new stamp on Nelson Place restaurant precinct, Porters Williamstown opened its doors last September with little fanfare but much anticipation.
Nelson Place has been ready for some time for a bit more glam, and Porters owners John and Zoey have risen to the challenge.
Designed by the talented duo, the restaurant’s fitout is sophisticated, with much attention paid to comfort and ambience. Anchored by polished concrete floors, it has squashy green velvet Chesterfields to sink into, and fabric bucket chairs around the well-spaced tables. Timber batons along the stylish bar and on one wall add warmth and richness, while designer lightfittings shed mellow light.
John and Zoey focused on delivering a diverse but delicately curated menu, with head chef Ryan Lane heading up the kitchen.
Named as a leading sommelier last year, Raul Moreno Yague has curated the Porters wine list, and the beautiful bar serves all the top tipples.
Zoey says Porters is a restaurant to tap into any time of day or night.
“We serve breakfast, great coffee and lunch before dimming the lights for an intimate dinner or drinks at the bar,” she says. “We have the perfect setting for business meetings over breakfast or lunch, while in the evening, our guests will enjoy a sense of occasion dining. Yet it’s all very relaxed.”
So what’s on the modern Australian menu? Along with a plethora of well-loved brekkie fare, there’s Porters benedict with shaved prosciutto, poached eggs, spinach and smoked paprika hollandaise served with a croissant.
Also hitting high notes is the organic buckwheat and black rice porridge with kaffir lime, poached pear, toasted hazelnuts and honey.
Lunch and dinner menus look after vegetarians and gluten-free dining, while carnivores are spoilt for choice.
Quail, duck and spatchcock dishes come in diverse styles. The quail has Italian leanings, the spatchcock is served mod-Aus style, while the red duck curry has aromatic Asian influences.
Steak, lamb and seafood dishes also feature and each has delicious sides.
Dessert? Yes. Four perfect choices, but it would be hard to go past lemongrass and ginger-infused panna cotta with pineapple, kaffir lime and lychee salsa.
The bar serves stylish smaller meals and pastries, while the sophisticated all-hours ambience comes free.
Porters, 49 Nelson Place, Williamstown. Opens 6am-11pm Monday-Friday and 7am-11pm Saturday and Sunday. Inquiries: 9397 1251 or porterswilliamstown.com
