After six months of charming Westgarth locals with coffee and all-day dining, Ophelia is ready to party. The Yolk Group venue has switched to evening mode, serving dinner on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
It’s the first time the hospitality group behind Tinker, Terror Twilight and Convoy has ventured into proper dinner service, though co-owner Kieran Spiteri says they always planned for Ophelia to evolve throughout the day.
“We’ve had locals asking for it since we opened,” he says. “The space has this moody quality that just works better at night.”
The timing coincides with some serious kitchen firepower joining the team. Mitchell Velo, formerly of Cumulus, Marion and Milton Wine Shop, has stepped in as Yolk Group’s new executive chef. Meanwhile, Heidi Modra — who closed Fitzroy North’s Pinotta in April — takes over as venue manager.
Velo’s evening menu leans European with an emphasis on seasonal produce sourced from Natoora. Think dates stuffed with nduja, pancetta and olive, or pickled mussel toast with aioli and aleppo. The approach is deliberately unfussy — good ingredients treated simply.
Tuesday nights get the budget-friendly treatment with $20 house-made pasta from 6pm. It’s a smart play given Westgarth Theatre runs its own Tuesday special across the road.
Friday and Saturday evenings lean into Yolk Group’s music obsession with Pour & Play sessions — local DJs spinning vinyl while small plates make the rounds.
Those who can’t wait for dinner can hit aperitivo hour from 4pm to 6pm, with rotating snacks and cocktail specials. The wine list features local and European bottles, with an expanded cocktail menu reserved for the night crowd.
Ophelia is now open for dinner service. Bookings recommended but walk-ins welcome.
85 High Street, Northcote.
