A refuge in the south
Finding a quiet corner for a glass of wine and fresh seafood in St Kilda often requires local knowledge. Situated at nine Inkerman Street, The Walrus provides a warm retreat from the coastal winds. Life and business partners Marty Webster and Amy McGouldrick noticed a gap in their local market after moving to the area. They simply wanted a straightforward, welcoming venue where they could enjoy a good drink. The result is a dedicated oyster and wine bar named after the classic Beatles song.
Stepping through the doors feels like entering a golden oasis. The interior features deep green and moody yellow tones. These careful design choices create an environment that encourages patrons to stay for hours. The owners drew upon their extensive hospitality experience to craft a space that feels instantly familiar. They avoid pretentious elements entirely, focusing instead on comfort, warmth, and easy conversation.
Oysters and the art of lingering
Fresh seafood dictates the rhythm of the evening here. The kitchen sources oysters from across various Australian coastlines. This ensures a rotating selection that reflects changing tides and regional specialities. Alongside the raw bivalves, the menu features salty gildas, expertly mixed dirty martinis, and an indulgent sea urchin pasta. The offerings cater to both a brief afternoon snack and a lengthy, multi-plate dinner.
The wine list remains highly approachable. By offering generous pours with many glasses priced around 13 dollars or 14 dollars, the venue makes repeat visits an easy choice for locals. Patrons can easily lose track of time. The atmosphere hypnotises guests into ordering just one more drink and one more plate. The Walrus proves that the simple combination of quality wine and fresh seafood never loses its appeal.
Citation: Original reporting by David Allegretti for Time Out Melbourne.
