Restaurant
Askal Melbourne | Restaurant & Bar
167 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find Askal Melbourne | Restaurant & Bar
167 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout 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
Most popular items
Creative tasting menu highlights reimagining classic Filipino flavours
Oxtail Kare-Kare Doughnut
The doughnut was definitely my favourite!
Miguel Mora Bone Marrow & Wagyu Claypot Rice
Highly recommend the wagyu clay pot rice and duck!
Sabrina Man Chargrilled King Prawns in Alavar Sauce
The Prawns in Alavar Sauce packed a proper flavour punch, savoury, a bit sweet, and hard to stop eating.
ERS Dry-Aged Duck Embutido
the dry-aged duck supplement is a must. What got us was how they borrowed techniques from French and Chinese cooking to elevate the dish while keeping it distinctly Filipino at its heart.
Martin Tran
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the tasting menu portions filling?
Yes. The multi-course tasting menus, such as the Piyesta set menu, provide substantial, filling portions, including rich centerpieces like the beef oyster blade with bone marrow claypot rice.
Should I make a reservation in advance?
Yes. Reservations are accepted and strongly recommended well in advance, especially on busy weekends and for group bookings where set menus are required.
How long does dinner take, and can it accommodate pre-theatre dining?
Tasting menus typically take around 1.5 to 2 hours. If you are dining before a show, the team can accommodate theatre deadlines, but dining earlier or communicating your timing upfront helps ensure a relaxed meal.
Can I get drinks at the rooftop bar before or after dinner?
Yes. You can visit the upstairs rooftop bar, Inuman, for pre-dinner cocktails or drinks after your meal.
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