This September, La Luna Bistro, Carlton’s much-loved neighbourhood restaurant, celebrates 25 years since opening its doors. Owned and led by Adrian Richardson, one of Australia’s most acclaimed chefs, the bistro has held a firm place in the heart of the local community and Melbourne’s culinary scene since 1998.
Nestled in Carlton’s Rathdowne Village, La Luna Bistro’s mix of a consistent, quality food offering and careful treatment of season-led produce, combined with warm and informed service, has stood the test of time in an ever-changing industry.
From his early days training under some of Melbourne’s best chefs including Greg Malouf and Michael Bacash, it was always Adrian’s plan to one day open a restaurant of his own. And so, in September of 1998, Adrian realised his lifelong dream, signing a lease on a double-storey Victorian terrace at 320 Rathdowne Street and opened La Luna Bistro.
On 35 years in Australia’s hospitality industry and 25 years operating his much-loved restaurant, Adrian says, “I’m very humbled. It was always my hope that La Luna Bistro would stick around for a long time, but when I think back to that naïve young chef who took a chance, I could never have imagined that it would still be here to this day – still thriving.”
Surrounded by different cuisines from a very young age, Adrian’s pathway to food was largely informed by his family. Adrian never had the typical Australian diet – from an early childhood living in Malaysia to growing up in Melbourne with Italian grandparents, his feeling for cooking came from helping his grandparents in the kitchen, making pasta from scratch and growing their own vegetables.
This same level of care towards quality produce has put La Luna Bistro on Melbourne’s culinary map. Diners will discover an array of exquisite dishes primarily made from scratch on site, from small goods such as prosciutto, salami and nduja to homemade pastas and protein-focused mains, including signature 60-day dry- aged beef cuts prepared by resident butcher Angelo Marchetti.
Reflecting on La Luna Bistro’s food philosophy, Adrian says, “The older you get as a chef, the more confident you become in your skills, so it’s not as much about the bells and whistles. You understand the produce when it’s good and how to treat it to highlight the best flavour.”
Another milestone in Adrian’s career was opening Brunswick East’s Bouvier Bar in 2017; a late-night New York-style cocktail bar and event space equally loved by northside locals. Taking a page from the La Luna Bistro handbook, the moody cocktail bar has become a favourite date-night spot, known for their equally produce-led food offering, signature cocktails, and extensive spirits selection.
La Luna Bistro’s 25th anniversary celebrations are set to delight the taste buds with a line-up of special events between La Luna Bistro and Bouvier Bar from August onwards. Adrian and his team look forward to welcoming guests to experience the delightful flavours and service that has made La Luna Bistro a beloved Melbourne institution.
“Hospitality is about being generous and I think that’s what La Luna Bistro represents to our community, which has been a highlight for me on this journey,” says Adrian. “We have customers who’ve been coming here for more than 20 years. Some who had their first date here and now bring their kids. It’s a very special thing to have that role in a community and we’ve very proud of that.”
