Brasserie Dining at Card House

Welcome to Card House Brasserie, where modern Australian dining meets the timeless ritual of face-to-face card play. Located at 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank VIC 3006, our brasserie celebrates local produce and the social joy of dining and poker in an atmosphere that shifts from relaxed daytime dining to an intimate evening card lounge.

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A Modern Australian Brasserie

Card House Brasserie reimagines the classic European brasserie for Melbourne's Southbank, blending relaxed sophistication with a menu that celebrates Australian produce. Brasserie dining is about approachable yet refined food served in a lively, welcoming setting. Our kitchen focuses on seasonal ingredients and bold, comforting flavours, while the dining room is designed to feel like an extension of the card lounge, with warm woods and soft lighting.

We believe dining is a social ritual, much like a hand of poker—best enjoyed face-to-face with good company and great food. Our service is attentive but unpretentious, echoing the camaraderie of the card table. Dishes are designed to be shared, encouraging conversation and connection, and the menu changes with the seasons to highlight the best local produce.
A signature brasserie dish served on a custom timber tray with slow-cooked lamb shoulder and native herbs

An Interior Designed for Dining and Cards

The dining room is a study in warm minimalism, with cream walls, dark timber tables, and subtle nods to the card lounge aesthetic. Custom tray-shaped light fixtures cast a soft glow over each table, while banquette seating in apricot and eucalyptus green adds a playful touch. The open layout allows a glimpse into the adjacent card lounge, creating a seamless flow between dining and play.

From lunchtime buzz to evening intimacy, the brasserie adapts to the rhythm of the day, always maintaining a sense of relaxed sophistication. Background music is curated to complement conversation, never overpowering it. The clink of cutlery and the shuffle of cards from the lounge create a unique soundscape, and diners are welcome to linger, perhaps moving to the card lounge for a post-dinner game.

From the Kitchen

Our menu is a celebration of Australian produce, with dishes that are both comforting and refined.

Charred Octopus

Charred octopus with eucalyptus oil, served with house-made sourdough and whipped butter. A bright, coastal start to the meal.

Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder

Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with native herbs, barramundi with seasonal greens, and a signature steak frites. Comforting mains built for sharing.

'Full House' Chocolate Fondant

A playful dessert of chocolate fondant with apricot coulis, finished with a nod to the card table.

Tray Presentation

Every dish is served on our signature brasserie trays, a nod to the service style that gives the venue its name. The trays are custom-made from sustainable timber, echoing the card table's surface. The presentation is elegant yet unpretentious, allowing the food to shine, and dishes are designed to be shared, encouraging a convivial dining experience.

A close-up of charred octopus with eucalyptus oil served on a timber tray with a subtle handle

A Dining Experience Like No Other

Our team delivers brasserie service with a personal touch, ensuring every guest feels like a regular. Staff are knowledgeable about the menu and can recommend pairings. The pace is relaxed, allowing you to savour each course and conversation, and special requests are accommodated whenever possible.

After your meal, the card lounge and poker room await, offering a seamless transition from dining to face-to-face card play. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar before moving to a poker table. The proximity of the dining room to the card lounge encourages a full evening of entertainment, and there is no need to rush—your table is yours for the evening.

Candid photo of diners enjoying a meal at a brasserie table, with the card lounge visible in the background

Where Dining Meets the Card Table

Card House Brasserie is designed so that a great meal can naturally lead to a great game of poker. The dining room and card lounge share a design language, with tray motifs and warm lighting. Guests can move between spaces without leaving the venue, and the bar serves both areas, offering a curated selection of drinks.

While the restaurant is open for all, it holds a special appeal for those who appreciate the ritual of face-to-face poker. The atmosphere is conducive to pre- or post-game dining. Large tables can accommodate groups of friends or poker enthusiasts, and the menu includes dishes that are easy to share, perfect for a table of players.

A view of the card lounge with several poker tables, seen from the dining area, with dark wood and green felt tables

Plan Your Visit

Reservation Details

Reserve your table by phone or email, or use our online booking system.

Opening Hours

We are open for lunch and dinner, with the card lounge and poker room available during dining hours.

  • Lunch: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Dinner: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Card lounge and poker room: open until late

Hours are indicative and to be confirmed when booking.

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