Your neighbourhood restaurant

familiar, but just a little bit different.

A white plate with a modern presentation of thinly sliced pink radishes, garnished with small herbs, served with a light oil or dressing on a wooden table with a fork and napkin nearby.

Photographs by Simon Schluter, courtesy of The Age Good Food Guide

Inspired by Nishant’s career in the best kitchens in New Zealand, Sweden & Melbourne - we offer a menu that combines familiar favourites alongside dishes that are just a little bit different.

Banksia is a neighbourhood restaurant built on honest hospitality and grounded food. We’re here to cook with heart in a place where everyone belongs.

We opened Banksia to offer something different. A place where the food is thoughtful, but never pretentious. Where creativity comes from care, not from copying the place down the road. So yes, you might find a tuna tartare with stracciatella or barley risotto with none of the usual suspects, but right next to it will be a Porterhouse Steak or a quick Reuben Sandwich for lunch.

At Banksia, you don’t have to come to be challenged. You can also just come for a hearty meal, a glass of something nice, and the feeling of being properly looked after.

More than anything, we want you to leave feeling warm. That’s what honest hospitality means to us.

OUR MENU

  • Tuna Tartare, Stracchiatella, Tomato, Lemon Myrtle

    Tuna Tartare, Stracchiatella, Tomato, Lemon Myrtle

  • Lamb Cutlet Black Garlic Curry Dipping Sauce

    Lamb Cutlet Black Garlic Curry Dipping Sauce

  • Barley and Celeriac Risotto ‘Lions Mane Mushroom Steak’, Tarragon Butter

    Barley and Celeriac Risotto ‘Lions Mane Mushroom Steak’, Tarragon Butter

  • Banksia Reuben

  • Davidson Plum Sorbet, Walnut, Lychee, Iced Cinnamon Tea

    Davidson Plum Sorbet, Walnut, Lychee, Iced Cinnamon Tea

From the Himalayas to Caulfield.

The story behind Banksia

“Every dish tells a story. Mine is one of fire, failure… & finding the right people”

That’s why every plate we serve carries the story of our chef and co-owner, Nishant Arora, whose journey through kitchens across continents has led to something truly special right here in Caulfield.

  • What do our customers think?

    "Like fine dining without the price tag"

  • “I think our neighborhood needed this! A restaurant with incredible food, quality and good presentation. In addition, the price is very good for what they offer.”

    Google Review - Yasmin Moscovis

  • “Saw this place had opened recently so came for dinner. So glad we did! Great service (above and beyond) and quality food, will be returning!”

    Google Review - Sophie Kirk

  • “The service was fantastic and we were served by passionate and enthusiastic people The food was of high quality , sophisticated and like fine dining, without the price tag . Really enjoyed it and highly recommend to anyone!”

    Google Review - Luca Dickinson

  • The service was fantastic and we were served by passionate and enthusiastic people The food was of high quality , sophisticated and like fine dining, without the price tag . Really enjoyed it and highly recommend to anyone!

    Google Review - Fleur Cardaillac

Make a reservation

 

We are open for Lunch Wednesday - Sunday &

Dinner Thursday - Sunday (5:30-9:30)

A waiter in a gray apron carrying two plates in a modern, well-lit restaurant with tables, chairs, and vases of flowers by the window.