The Westin, 205 Collins Street, Melbourne.
+61 3 9635 2222.
Renovated a couple of years ago, Melba still looks fresh and new, with generous spaces, warm colours and good choices. There is an à la carte menu offering contemporary food (wagyu steak with hand-cut chips, rack of lamb glazed with truffled honey), but the real action is at the food stations, which are a modern take on the old buffet. Choose seafood or salads, then take your pick of Indian (naan cooked to order), Chinese (wok stir-fry to order or steamer basket), rotisserie and other hot dishes. The small-portion desserts all cry out “choose me!”. The extensive wine list includes a good range of Victorian wines. The neighbouring Aria bar offers drinks or snacks.
Open: breakfast, lunch & dinner daily. Licensed. Mains $27-$45, fixed-price set lunch from $47 a person, dinner from $66 a person.WebsiteSource:
Qantas The Australian Way June 2009