Matilda 159 Domain

Matilda 159 Domain brings open-fire cooking and contemporary Australian food to South Yarra, opposite Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Its kitchen works with open flames, hot coals and Australian woods, using the smoke and heat to shape dishes around local, seasonal and sustainable produce. The result is a style of dining that places the cooking process at the centre, while keeping the overall experience warm and approachable rather than formal.

The current offering includes a shared-style menu built around wood-fired cooking, native Australian ingredients and local produce, with both “Feed me” and à la carte options available. Vegetarian and vegan choices are offered, and the restaurant says it can accommodate dietary requirements. The drinks list covers cocktails, wine, beer and non-alcoholic options. Happy hour also features selected drinks and snacks, including De Saint Gall Champagne, Minuty Rosé and Grapefruit Spritz, and Hawkers Lager, with the prices stated on the venue’s website subject to change.

The setting is described as stylish yet relaxed, with an open kitchen that makes the live-fire method part of the room’s character. Matilda also has two private dining rooms, an outdoor courtyard and a bar, giving groups several ways to use the space. Private events are available for corporate dining, bespoke celebrations, weddings and other occasions, with an events team handling enquiries.

Named after Scott Pickett’s daughter, Matilda is built around a connection between people, food and nature. The shared format makes it a natural choice for groups who want to eat together, while the polished design and fire-led cooking also suit a date or a special meal in Melbourne. Diners looking for a produce-focused restaurant with a clearly defined cooking method will find the concept easy to understand: local ingredients, cooked over live fire, served in a comfortable South Yarra setting.