HAPPENINGS
Aru is celebrating its fifth anniversary.
To celebrate, we present Aru Archives, a month-long retrospective highlighting the defining snacks and cocktails that shaped our identity with the help of our original bar manager, Darren Leaney, alongside head chef, Nico Koevoets.
We invite you to revisit three cocktails and snacks at the bar with us over June and July.
MINI COCKTAILS
Pretend Marriage: Gin, Saké, Honeydew, Wasabi, Lime
Houndstooth Martini: Hartshorn Sheep Whey Vodka, Saké, Sherry, Vermouth
Kaya Toast Milk Punch: Rye Whiskey, Pandan, Clarified Sourdough Milk
SNACKS
Warmed Oyster, Perilla Soy, Finger Lime, Chives, Paperbark
Mussels, Turmeric Mayo, Tamarind Jam, Baguette
Duck Sausage Sanga, Leatherwood Honey, Onion, Peanut Hoisin
For those partaking in Dry July, we will also offer a non-alcoholic menu.
June 29 – July 24
3 mini cocktails and 3 snacks
$75pp
Walk-ins welcome
Private Dining
Ensconced away in Aru is our private dining room, Banda, which fully closes up to the rest of the restaurant. The rich, timber-encased space seats 12, with doors that offer seclusion.
Banda opens up onto The Terrace – an impressive landing with a view of our cellar. Here, you’ll find a grand long table set-up, a favourite amongst wedding parties, birthdays and celebrations of all sorts. The Terrace is separated from the dining room by a mesh curtain and seats 30. Both spaces can be booked separately or together.
We are delighted to offer additions for event bookings, including a wood fire grilled signature black rib eye MB2, and a Fire & Grain whisky pairing experience, where a special menu is paired with premium whiskies from The Balvenie. Both of these additions require advance notice.
In The Press
The Age Good Food Guide 2026 – Two Hats
The Age Good Food Guide 2025 – Two Hats
Australia’s Wine List of the Year 2025 – Three Glasses
The Age Good Food Guide 2023 – Two Hats
The Age Good Food Guide 2023 – Victoria’s Restaurant of the Year
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants – 50 Best Discovery
Gourmet Traveller – Review
The Age Good Food – Review
About
Named after the group of islands which ancient seafarers frequented as part of the Sino-Indonesian-Australian route, Aru draws on the cuisine of the three regions. Asian dishes deftly flecked with native Australian ingredients, grilled or finished over the wood-fired hearth.
In this beautiful, moody space of marble, mesh, wood and brick lies some of the city’s most renowned dishes and an impressive cellar list – a destination for a coming together of cuisines and cultures.
Gift Cards
Gift a dining experience at Aru with our digital gift cards, sent immediately to you or a recipient of your choice.
Gift cards are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase.