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Restaurant

Daphne

52 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057, Australia

Recommended by 51 people

Updated

Find Daphne

52 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9191 9410
HoursMonday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Daphne

Brunswick East’s Daphne pairs coal-fired cooking and sharp martinis with the easy warmth of a neighbourhood local. Take a counter seat overlooking the open hearth—it is the quickest way to catch the rhythm of the kitchen over skewers of mortadella charred over the flame. Regulars drop in for mid-week steak specials or linger over market flathead bathed in caper butter, washing it down with a glass of dolcetto. Late at night, the room fills with off-duty hospo crews unwinding over pasta and cold drinks as the coals burn down.

  • Live-fire kitchen counter: Sit along the counter to watch skewers, steaks, and seafood hit the open fire.
  • The Martini Club: A punch-card tradition rewarding dedicated cocktail fans with their tenth round on the house.
  • Midweek specials: Mid-week features rotate through dedicated steak and pasta nights alongside the daily menu.
RestaurantCocktailRestaurant

What's On at Daphne

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Daphne

Discover what sets Daphne apart, from open-hearth bistro dining to spontaneous bar walk-ins and warm local hospitality.

  • Open Kitchen and Live Fire Counter View

    Counter and bar seating allow guests to observe live coal and open fire cooking operating smoothly in an intimate setting.

    We had a bar spot and got to watch their open kitchen and bar operate, which was like a well oiled machine.

    lois ramsey

  • Flame and Coal-Cooked Bistro Signatures

    Skewer dishes, flathead, and market proteins cooked over roaring coals deliver bold flavours across both lunch and dinner.

    The flathead cooked over coals was sensational, simple but packed with flavour fresh herbs and picked fennel .

    Mim Stewart

  • Hospitable Charm and Banter-Filled Service

    Service strikes an engaging balance of warm banter and attentiveness that makes diners feel immediately welcome.

    Welcoming, friendly, helpful and good with the banter. Perfect!

    Paulie C

  • Neighbourhood Warmth with Polished Sparkle

    The dining room combines welcoming neighbourhood hospitality with an energetic, stylish atmosphere.

    It’s got that perfect mix of neighbourhood warmth and a bit of sparkle — everyone’s friendly, the energy’s great, and it feels like you’ve stumbled into somewhere special.

    Mim Stewart

  • Walk-In Friendly Bar Seating for Pre-Gig Bites

    Guests can readily drop in without a booking to enjoy wine and bar snacks at the counter before an evening event.

    My partner and I came through on Saturday for a wine and a few bites before a gig. We loved sitting by the kitchen.

    Ash Jones

  • Dedicated Midweek Themed Dining Nights

    Midweek specials, such as dedicated steak and pasta nights, offer satisfying dining routines for weeknight visits.

    Went tonight for their steak night. Absolutely delicious! Steak cooked perfectly, seasoned perfectly and pepper sauce so good.

    Esther Van Arend

Guest-favourite dishes cooked over coals and live fire

  • Mortadella skewer

    The mortadella skewer was unreal

    Cosmo

  • Half chicken

    half chicken, salad. Was exceptional quality.

    Giuseppe Rosso

  • Flathead

    The flathead cooked over coals was sensational, simple but packed with flavour fresh herbs and picked fennel .

    Mim Stewart

  • Pork Cotoletta

    5 stars just for the Pork Cotoletta with caesar salad, one of the better dishes i have had this year.

    Kerry Chen

Other favorites

Signature cocktails, starters, and desserts to complete your visit

  • Martini

    The martinis were also excellent and complemented the meals perfectly.

    Ben Hoy

  • Olive oil cake

    Finished with the olive oil cake which was a perfect end to the night.

    Cosmo

  • Heirloom tomatoes

    Heirloom tomatoes with pickled celery and olives were very refreshing and delicate.

    Jenny Tran

  • Oysters

    The oysters and snacks were delicious and paired beautifully with our wine.

    Ash Jones

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful hospitality touches and distinctive dining traditions at Daphne.

  • The Martini Club Loyalty Program

    A punch-card reward initiative where patrons collect stamps towards their 10th martini on the house.

  • Open Kitchen Counter Engagement

    Front-row counter seating overlooking live coals and fire prep where chefs and kitchen staff engage directly with guests as dishes are plated.

  • Tailored Bartender Hospitality & Off-Menu Pours

    Off-menu cocktail flexibility from accommodating bartenders, including making custom mezcal margaritas and pouring bespoke shrub mocktail tasters.

  • Midweek Themed Dining Traditions

    Dedicated weeknight features such as Wednesday pasta night specials and steak nights designed to bring community warmth to midweek dining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you walk in without a booking?

Yes. While reservations can fill up, Daphne accepts walk-ins, with seating frequently available at the bar and counter overlooking the kitchen.

How are the portion sizes and sharing options?

Portions across both small skewers and large plates are generous and well-suited for sharing, with standout items like the mortadella skewers, half chicken, pot pie, and pork cotoletta.

Does Daphne offer weeknight dining specials?

Yes. Daphne hosts mid-week specials, including a Wednesday pasta special as well as a dedicated steak night.

Can you bring a dog or sit outside?

Yes. Daphne offers outdoor seating where dogs are welcome, though orders may need to be placed inside at the counter.

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