About The Trust
Reviews
What they're saying about The Trust
Eat & Drink Restaurants Guide
Eat & Drink Online - www.eatanddrink.com.au
"In the beautifully restored former Port Authority Trust building The Trust is one of the more impressive elegant dining rooms in the city, perfect for a special event but relaxed enough for a leisurely feed. Don't be confused by the fabulous long bar that dominates the entry, turn right then left and discover the formally appointed dining room at the rear. The room has lofty ceilings and spaced, well-dressed tables, giving a sense of occasion and style. The food is modern European but the menu includes some classics done with flair and talented cooking, while the rest of the menu covers finely crafted, gently cooked dishes. The staff are helpful and very professional and the ambience pointed towards the fine dining occasion. An extensive, eclectic wine list completes the picture."
The Age Good Food Guide 2005
"To create a sense of luxury and warmth in the cavernous space that houses The Trust is an achievement in itself. Somehow the attentiveness of the service, the jewel-bright cushions and upholstery, and the chef's obvious love of slow-cooked richly flavoured dishes manage to soften the grandeur of what was once the Port Authority building."
The Age, Sunday Life, 8/2/04
John Lethlean
"The Trust is an eleborate marble beer barn with a restaurant out the back. There is good Italian food in a restored period building."
Herald Sun, City Style, 21/10/03
Stephen Downes, score 17/20
"... is expensive, but delivers stylish and fastidiously cooked food. Its accompanying service and ambience are excellent."
City Search, Melbourne
"Situated in the old Port Authority customs building is The Trust, a cafe, bar and restaurant offering affordable luxury. Things are changing here. There's a new chef offering a diverse range of food options that's more European influenced than it's original Italian; a cafe nestled to the left of the bar area offering brasserie style food with fresh seafood options aplenty and a limited express a la carte menu; light snack offerings at the bar; a menu overhaul for the more formal dining room; and a function package to suit every occasion.
For entree try the tempura zucchini flowers filled with Milawa goat's cheese, basil and sauce vierge, or if you're feeling extravagant opt for the Blinis Muscovite, 125 grams of oscietra caviar for the mere price of $400 (when available). For main, sample the grilled fillet of beef with pea and truffle puree, crisp brisket, bone marrow beignets and sauce bordelaise. Finish with the chocolate soup of amaretto, marshmallow and white chocolate or the cheese board."
The Age, Epicure, Bar Reviews
by Michelle Johnson, October 21, 2005
A vast and lavish bar, refined nibblies and sassy cocktails hit the spot.
"Step inside the period building that has housed The Trust since 2001 and you're immediately struck by its opulence and elaborate detail.
Head to the bar, which spans the length of this massive expanse of space, and you'll find marble bench-tops, rich wooden fixtures and sturdy pillars.
Here, you can name your poison. They have every spirit imaginable, with most high-shelf aperitifs priced surprisingly well.
Another surprise is the beer on tap — Stella, Hoegarden and your stock standard C arlton Draught. There's also an impressive list of wines available by the glass.
If cocktails are more your thing, then the only trouble here will be deciding which one to order. Choose from martinis, champagne cocktails, daiquiris and mojitos — the list is endless.
Originally built in 1932, the building's grandness reflects the importance of what it once housed — a Port Authority.
The intricate work on the ceiling feature has been restored with love and care. The walls and floor, too, reflect this attention to detail and the result is breathtaking.
If, after all the careful observation you fancy a bite to eat, The Trust has that covered as well. An impressive formal dining area is housed at the back, but they also do exceptional bar food.
Choose from mini-burgers, calamari, dips, olives, wedges and the like — enough to share over a drink or two while lounging in one of the plush leather couches.
The bar is vast and lavish, the food is refined, the cocktails hit the spot and the chilled vibe and elegance make it a city winner."
Visit Victoria, Food & Wine
M. Padula
"Hidden at the rear of a lavishly refurbished heritage building, The Trust's restaurant presence is often obscured by its prodigiously proportioned bar. But rest assured, it stands out as an epicurean experience. The rich crimson hues of the dining room evoke Russian aristocracy but the menu is actually modern Italian finished with French finesse. Astute staff offer impeccable guidance and in The Trust's hands even a simple risotto or saltimbocca can be revelatory. And do let them steer you towards the sweets for some otherworldly desserts — confections like the prickly pear sorbet are peerless."