Araliya St Kilda

An exotic hotspot for cool cocktails and modern Sri Lankan-inspired flavours!

The new version of Araliya Hawthorn (a local’s favourite for more than 30 years), is a sleek space to enjoy a quick drink or seated meal.

Sam Wedande’s exquisite menu includes plenty of the Hawthorn restaurant’s greatest hits, as well as some boundary-pushing new plates. Start with a filled calamari hopper, crab in betel leaf and move onto the wagyu brisket and mouth-watering chocolate mousse with sweet potato custard.

A mostly Aussie wine list includes bottles from the nearby Mornington Peninsula, or opt for a refreshing cocktail – we reckon the Gin Garden (Tanqueray, cucumber, elderflower, apple) is difficult to beat.