Midnight in Paris

Midnight in Paris brings together gallery-style art and dining at 71 High Street in Prahran, Melbourne. The venue presents itself as a place where a meal is part of a broader cultural experience, with paintings, conversation and wine sharing the room. Its story is built around an imagined return to another era: low chandelier light, closely set tables and an atmosphere intended to feel intimate, theatrical and a little removed from the pace of the modern city.

The food is shaped by a changing weekly menu, described as responsive to nature and nuance. The offering moves from small plates such as semolina-dusted calamari with chilli and lemon, citrus-cured king salmon with horseradish cream and blinis, saganaki with honey, fennel and pepitas, and the seasonal artichoke alla giudia, through to pasta, risotto, meat and seafood mains. Standouts named on the menu include saffron orchid-shaped pasta with prawns, lemon and chilli, pappardelle with wagyu ragù, green tortelloni with herbed ricotta and burnt butter, and Mt Cook king salmon with wilted spinach and dill yoghurt. Desserts include MIP tiramisu, chocolate fondant and coffee panna cotta.

The drinks list gives the dining room plenty of scope for a long evening, with cocktails ranging from spritzes and margaritas to Negronis, Martinis, Old Fashioneds and Espresso Martinis. There is also a broad wine selection spanning Victorian and Australian bottles, Champagne and sparkling, rosé, dessert wine, beer and non-alcoholic options. The website specifically invites guests to ask the sommelier about wine pairings, making the venue a natural fit for a considered dinner, a date or a small group looking to linger over food and conversation.

Behind the venue are owner Jennifer Taranto, executive chef Davidé, general manager Jason Buesst and gallery manager Rory Garland. Midnight in Paris says it was created as a sanctuary where beauty is experienced rather than simply viewed, and its gallery identity is central to that idea. The result is best suited to diners who enjoy the intersection of art, wine and an expressive restaurant setting rather than a quick, purely practical meal. With a 4.9 Google rating from 93 reviews, it has also built a strong local response.