An Award-Winning Plant-Based Chapter Closes, as a New Neighbourhood Local Opens in South Yarra

South Yarra’s dining landscape enters a new era with the opening of Bar Yarra, an all-day neighbourhood venue now welcoming locals on Toorak Road. Taking over the former home of Lona Misa — Ovolo Hotels’ critically acclaimed, One Hat plant-based restaurant — the space reopens with a renewed focus on approachability, inclusivity and everyday dining done well.

Designed as a place guests can drop into at any point in the day, Bar Yarra brings together breakfast classics, modern bistro favourites and late-night cocktails in a relaxed, welcoming setting. “Bar Yarra is designed to be a place people can drop into at any point in the day — whether that’s for a quick coffee, a long lunch or a drink that turns into dinner,” says Christos Pavlidis, General Manager of Ovolo Hotel South Yarra.

In the kitchen, Head Chef Santiago Ospina leads a menu centred on simple, shareable modern Australian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Breakfast sets the tone with dishes such as shakshuka in a richly spiced tomato sauce with whipped fetta, a Nordic-inspired plate featuring smoked salmon, soft-boiled eggs and pickled vegetables, and crème fraîche pancakes stacked with seasonal fruit compote. St Remio beans power the espresso offering, while a Breakfast Booze list adds a playful edge with Bloody Marys and morning mimosas.

As evening approaches, the menu leans confidently into bistro territory. Highlights include market-fresh crudités with spiced pepitas and tahini, golden fried calamari with chilli salt and citrus aioli, and heartier signatures such as a 250g striploin steak frites, roasted pumpkin ravioli finished with miso butter, and the Yarra Smash Burger — double beef patties, bacon, ‘dirty’ mayo and fries — already tipped to become a neighbourhood favourite.

The drinks list is concise and crowd-pleasing, featuring approachable Australian and international wines alongside a tight cocktail selection. Standouts include the Elderberry Bloom and the Spritz Del Sol, designed for easy sipping from aperitivo hour into the night. Daily happy hour from 5–7pm offers sharp specials on house wines, spirits, beer and rotating snacks, while Throwback Thursdays introduce vinyl DJs and nostalgic soundtracks to set the tone for the weekend ahead.

Following Lona Misa’s celebrated five-year run in South Yarra, Bar Yarra builds on the venue’s strong legacy with a new concept rooted in community, energy and the simple pleasure of sharing a great meal. Open for breakfast and dinner, with lunch service launching in February, Bar Yarra is poised to become South Yarra’s newest neighbourhood ritual.

Bar Yarra details:

● Address: 234 Toorak Rd, South Yarra VIC

● Instagram: @bar_yarra_

● Opening hours:

○ Breakfast: Monday to Friday 7am-10:30am, Saturday & Sunday 7am-11am

○ Lunch: To commence in February

○ Dinner: 5pm-late