Restaurant

Askal Melbourne | Restaurant & Bar

167 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Recommended by 68 people

Updated

Find Askal Melbourne | Restaurant & Bar

167 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

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HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM Friday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 5:30 – 10:30 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Askal Melbourne | Restaurant & Bar

Askal shakes up Melbourne's dining strip with chef-driven Filipino degustations inside a moody Exhibition Street heritage space. The kitchen reimagines nostalgic comfort food through serious fine-dining technique—dishing out savoury oxtail kare-kare doughnuts alongside grilled king prawns smothered in rich crab fat alavar. Hearty claypots of wagyu sirloin and roasted bone marrow rice anchor the table, packing generous portions that defy usual tasting menu austerity. Upstairs, rooftop bar Inuman mixes crisp cocktails over city rooftops before the night winds down over a tableside rum-flambéed leche flan.

  • Inventive Tasting Menus: Multi-course degustations showcase creative spins like oxtail kare-kare doughnuts and bone marrow claypot rice.
  • Filling Portions: Generous, hearty multi-course portions ensure guests leave thoroughly satisfied rather than hungry.
  • Inuman Rooftop Bar: Rooftop sibling bar Inuman pours bespoke cocktails overlooking the CBD skyline for pre- or post-dinner drinks.

What's On at Askal Melbourne | Restaurant & Bar

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Key Advantages

Why diners choose Askal for contemporary Filipino dining in Melbourne's CBD

  • Inventive modern Filipino degustation

    Chef John Rivera transforms traditional Filipino flavours with modern fine-dining finesse, delivering tasting courses like oxtail kare-kare doughnuts and bone marrow claypot rice.

    The food is modern Filipino done with serious skill — every dish feels exciting, creative and genuinely delicious.

    Martin Tran
  • Curated Piyesta multi-course experience

    Multi-course set menus such as the Piyesta banquette showcase creative culinary techniques and contemporary interpretations across every course.

    We ordered the “Piyesta” set menu it was perfect. The cucumbers, the wagyu sirloin and the oxtail doughnut were the highlight for me.

    Miguel Mora
  • Substantial and filling tasting portions

    Unlike typical fine dining where portions leave diners wanting more, Askal’s tasting courses provide generous, hearty servings that truly satisfy.

    Big plus, servings are generous. Unlike most fine dining spots where you leave half-hungry, this one actually fills you up.

    ERS
  • Abundant courses built for sharing

    Large sharing plates and hearty mains ensure parties and couples enjoy an indulgent dining format without minimalist portioning.

    We had the Piyesta and it was amazing !!!! I couldn’t finish it all as the portions were generous

    Crazy_Gamer 459
  • Celebratory ambience and hospitable service

    The sophisticated dining room and attentive hospitality make Askal a standout destination for birthdays, group gatherings, and date nights.

    Had such a great time dining here, celebrating a birthday with family. The service was super friendly and wholesome.

    Megan Ferrer
  • Rooftop cocktails at Inuman bar

    Guests can head upstairs to Inuman rooftop bar for pre-dinner drinks and city views before sitting down to dinner.

    The rooftop bar (Inuman) is a cool spot for drinks before being seated.

    Mark Franklin

Other favorites

Complementary desserts, breads, and rooftop cocktails

  • Buko Pandan

    the **Buko Pandan** was the perfect dessert, and I especially loved the dehydrated coconut yoghurt crisps, which added a delicious texture and unique twist

    Dianne C
  • Leche Flan

    having the leche flan at home for dessert was just the perfect ending!

    Christy
  • Heritage pandesal & latik butter

    Heritage pandesal & latik butter

    Mashi_soyo
  • Inuman Rooftop Bar Cocktails

    The rooftop bar (Inuman) is a cool spot for drinks before being seated.

    Mark Franklin

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful service gestures and tableside touches that elevate modern Filipino dining in Melbourne.

  • Tableside Rum Flambé Presentation

    Dessert is served with a tableside presentation where staff pour blackened vanilla rum caramel over the leche flan and ignite it flambé before you.

  • Pre-Theatre Pacing Care

    When tight curtain calls press during set degustations, the kitchen and floor staff proactively expedite courses and package dessert so guests make their theatre start without rushing.

  • Warm Chef and Team Engagement

    Head Chef John and the kitchen team personally engage with the dining floor, warmly chatting with guests and explaining dishes and culinary inspirations.

  • Inuman Rooftop Cocktail Reception

    Before heading down for dinner, guests can begin their evening upstairs at Inuman Bar with rooftop cocktails and city skyline views.

Before you head over

Practical advice on pacing, reservations, and pre-dinner drinks at Askal.

  • Allow Generous Time for Set Menus

    The kitchen can experience significant dinner rushes, with initial courses sometimes taking 30 to 40 minutes or pacing slowing during peak crowds. Allow ample dining time and communicate any theatre showtimes to staff upfront so courses can be accommodated.

  • Book Weeks Ahead for Weekend Tables

    Weekend dining rooms and group tables book out weeks in advance. Secure reservations roughly three to four weeks early to guarantee your seating and set menu option.

  • Start Upstairs at Inuman Rooftop Bar

    Head up to the Inuman rooftop bar before dinner for bespoke cocktails and city views, or relax there while waiting for your dining table to be ready.

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