Businesses in Southbank

Every bar and restaurant wants to be described as “unique” and “unusual”, but few venues actually live up to their literal meaning.

Amarok Bar & Restaurant alongside Ice Bar Melbourne are two spaces within a single location that fit the bill.

Located in Southgate, Amarok serves up a hearty menu, inspired by traditional North American and Canadian flavours, using the finest ingredients.

A solid collection of North American Boutique Beers complements the flavoursome menu, while a bespoke cocktail list is also on offer.

Bobby Stephens, founder and creator of Ice Bar Melbourne, this year engaged a business partner, Peter Anastas. With over 23 years hospitality experience within the restaurant and cafe industry, Peter set out to create a cutting edge restaurant and bar to complement the Ice Bar. 

After recently completing Melbourne’s new Emporium, Charlie Ridis’ FSCI shop fitters, along with Andrew Wilson Architects, were brought in to re-invent the existing interior.

Peter, Andrew and Charlie combined with the management team, Liam Watt and Hazel Ocskó, to create the Amarok restaurant and bar theme. Liam has worked in renowned cocktail bars in Australia and Europe, Hazel in theatre production and program management both in Europe and the United States. 

Having all travelled extensively, with a fondness for exploration, the idea of a “journey” became a solid starting point. 

“Having Australia’s only Ice Bar definitely played a massive role in what we would come up with,” Bobby said, while Peter added: “We looked at regions and cultures that had a similar climate to add a dining element to the Ice Bar experience, to create a complete journey for the customer, unlike anything else in Melbourne.”  

The restaurant is now warm and inviting, with plenty of personality. The hand-branded leather bound menus is one of several touches that complete the atmosphere.

The name Amarok derives from an Inuit mythological creature, described as a “gigantic wolf”, whose purpose is to “hunt down and devour anyone foolish enough to hunt alone at night”. 

Head Chef Carey Stephens created the menu to stand out in Southbank. A native Maori from Te Awamutu in New Zealand’s north island, Carey has over 30 years industry experience in some of the worlds’ finest restaurants. “I loved the idea of the hungry explorer,” Carey explained. 

A specialty on the menu is the Amarok Feast Board, fit for any hungry explorer. For a reasonable price, customers get to try up to six Amarok dishes. Similar to a tasting plate, the Amarok Feast Board is a fantastic way to help you decide what to have on your next visit!

Amarok Bar & Restaurant is on the mid-level of Southgate and open daily midday-late (closed Mondays).

For reservations call 9663 1877 or email enquiries to [email protected]