Inside Bar Bouni and Its Lebo-Terranean Menu
Bar Bouni is officially open and already making noise across Melbourne’s dining scene, bringing a vibrant Lebo Terranean experience to the city’s fast-growing Arts Precinct. The venue takes its cues from the traditions and flavours of the Middle East and Mediterranean, then twists them into a modern Melbourne interpretation that’s confident, soulful and built for sharing.
Founded by hospitality heavyweight Ben Avramides of the Tommy Collins group, Bar Bouni is a tribute to his own Lebo Terranean heritage. His family story stretches back to the early 1900s, when Greeks fleeing Turkey found refuge in Lebanon before eventually emigrating to Australia. After arriving in Surry Hills in 1953, Avramides’ grandfather opened a pastry shop, followed by his son, who launched Emad’s and Hunna’s in the 70s. These restaurants became Sydney icons of Lebanese hospitality, buzzing with late nights, warmth and the sort of food that brings people together in the best way.
Bar Bouni carries that same energy into a new era. Named after Ben’s childhood nickname, the venue honours the family legacy while reimagining it for today’s diners. Think tradition viewed through a Melbourne lens, all wrapped in a room that mixes rich velvet, jewel-toned accents and a nostalgic theatricality that feels instantly welcoming.
The kitchen is headed by Añada alum Jessica Mantilla, with a menu built around a rotisserie that’s anything but humble. Diners will find traditionally marinated meats and vegetables turning slowly over charcoal, treated with patience to deliver maximum tenderness and flavour. Highlights include a perfectly spiced Harissa chicken available by the half or whole, a crackling pork belly refined over generations, and a rotisserie cauliflower that arrives smoky, meaty and draped in a creamy almond tarator with curry leaves.
Each rotisserie dish arrives with Bar Bouni’s signature complementary sauces that nod to the best flavours of the region. Expect a garlic toum that demands to be slathered generously, a bright and herb-packed zhoug, and a rich roasted pepper muhammara that adds depth to every plate.
The accompaniments, known as SHARIK, easily hold their own. Diners can graze on house-made sausage, pickled vegetables, a lamb and pine nut empanada or a fresh seasonal fattoush that cuts through the richness with sharp, clean flavours.
Behind the bar, Vue de Monde alum Federico Soligno brings cocktail and wine expertise that elevates the experience even further. The drinks menu leans modern Melbourne, sharp and curated, but still fun enough to encourage long evenings filled with laughter, good food and even better company.
Located in the heart of the city’s Arts Precinct, Bar Bouni feels perfectly placed to become a neighbourhood favourite. It’s elevated without ever being pretentious, and it invites locals, visitors and food lovers to come together over culture, family and seriously good rotisserie cooking.
Address: 153 Sturt Street, Southbank, VIC 3006
Opening hours: Open seven days for lunch & dinner
Book a table: https://bookings.obeeapp.com/barbouni