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Restaurant

The Advocate

431B Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn VIC 3103, Australia

Recommended by 56 people

Updated

Find The Advocate

431B Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn VIC 3103, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9041 3115
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:30 PM – 11:00 PM Friday: 4:30 PM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 4:30 PM – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About The Advocate

Ditch the CBD rush for candlelight, live piano, and velvet-draped corners on Whitehorse Road. Inside this European-leaning escape, guests settle in across distinct spaces like the Library Garden for cocktails and rich small plates—think crisp arancini and oysters. The kitchen turns out a nine-course degustation with ease, deftly tailoring courses for gluten-free palates, alongside comforting mains like handmade squid ink seafood pasta and scotch fillet.

  • Live Piano Accompaniment: An upright acoustic piano sets a calm, conversational rhythm during evening service.
  • Nine-Course Degustation: A multi-course tasting menu prepared with flexible accommodations for coeliac and gluten-free guests.
  • Distinct Styled Spaces: Guests can choose between intimate partitioned zones, from the candlelit dining room to the lush Library Garden.
RestaurantCocktailRestaurantBarCocktail Bar

What's On at The Advocate

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Reasons to Choose The Advocate

Why diners choose The Advocate for romantic milestone dinners and intimate gatherings in Balwyn

  • Live Piano Setting the Tone

    A live acoustic piano performance sets the tone upon entry, delivering refined musical accompaniment for romantic evenings and celebratory milestones.

    walking in to live music and someone playing piano really sealed the deal!

    Alysia Jewal

  • Storybook European Atmosphere

    From velvet drapes to candlelight, the venue evokes classical European elegance while escaping inner-city rush.

    Advocate is fitted out with velvet curtains, hundreds of candles, low lighting and abstract art.

    Alexandra Murphy

  • Generous Multi-Course Degustation

    Guests enjoy a structured multi-course culinary journey, featuring dishes like cloudlike gnocchi crafted by Italian-trained chefs.

    Highly recommend the 9-couse tasting menu (plenty of food, all so incredibly delicious we forgot to take photos of it).

    Connie **

  • Seamless Dietary Inclusivity

    Extensive gluten-free offerings and bespoke kitchen adjustments ensure diners with dietary needs can fully indulge across courses.

    We required gluten free option and chef accommodated. (A large number of GF options already availabe)

    Laura van de Voorde

  • Comfortable Acoustics for Connection

    Bespoke acoustic considerations ensure guests can engage in effortless table conversations without shouting over background din.

    I was also impressed with the acoustics that meant you were able to talk comfortably at your table, even though the bar was nearly full.

    Krista Callinan

  • Distinct Compartmented Gathering Spaces

    Individually styled spaces like the Library Garden and intimate dining rooms allow parties to gather in distinct, curated settings.

    I loved the different sections of the restaurant/bar and the different feel that each brought.

    Paula Gentile

Guest-favourite signature courses and dishes at The Advocate

  • Arancini

    We ordered arancini, oysters, calamari and wine. Great place to yap and our server Andrew was so attentive and welcoming.

    Lois Poh

  • Seafood pasta

    Seafood pasta was very fresh, flavoursome, delicious and absolutely amazing!!!!!

    Ozgirl

  • 9-course tasting menu

    Highly recommend the 9-couse tasting menu (plenty of food, all so incredibly delicious we forgot to take photos of it).

    Connie **

  • Steak

    The steak was to die for and cooked perfectly 🥩

    Alysia Jewal

Beyond the menu

Memorable details and thoughtful touches that elevate dining at The Advocate.

  • Live Acoustic Piano Performances

    Guests can listen to acoustic live piano performances such as Thursday evening sessions while enjoying dinner or cocktails.

  • Attentive Gluten-Free Degustation Care

    The kitchen accommodates dietary requirements throughout multi-course dining, offering dedicated gluten-free options across small plates and degustation courses.

  • Library Garden & Intimate Salons

    Guests can reserve or transition between distinctly themed architectural spaces, including the Library Garden and the intimate dining room.

  • Candlelight & Bespoke Vintage Decor

    The venue enhances intimate dining with tactile decorative details, including crystal door knobs, velvet drapery, hundreds of candles, and gold cutlery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there live music or piano performances?

Yes. The Advocate features a baby grand piano by the entrance and hosts live acoustic piano performances on Thursday evenings and during dinner services.

Is there a set tasting menu or degustation available?

Yes. The kitchen provides a dedicated 9-course tasting menu (degustation) featuring dishes like house-made gnocchi and dessert, which can also be tailored to accommodate gluten-free dietary requirements.

Can the kitchen accommodate gluten-free diners?

The Advocate offers a wide variety of gluten-free dishes across the menu, and the kitchen readily accommodates dietary modifications, including adapting the 9-course degustation.

What kind of dining spaces and seating areas are available?

The Advocate features distinct dining environments with different vibes, including a cozy main dining room with candlelit tables and velvet drapery, and a separate Library Garden space suited for intimate meals or small gatherings.

Is parking easily available nearby?

Convenient off-street parking options are available near the venue, alongside local street parking.

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