Geelong’s sweetest new fine dining experience

One of Geelong’s fine dining venues Nectar Kitchen and Bar is sure to turn heads with its fresh blend of “charm and allure”.

Nestled in Geelong’s CBD, Nectar offers an elegant space to connect over delicious Mediterranean cuisine and decadent cocktails and spirits.

The venue, which opened in October, is the latest masterstroke of successful local publican Andrew Steere of Recess Bar and Eats, who previously owned Edge Geelong and Winters Café.

Mr Steere has assembled an all-star class for his newest venture, including Recess Bar and Eats chef and 40-year kitchen stalwart Mandy Wright, as well as established local venue manager and cocktail connoisseur Finn Sugrue.

The venue’s “lux and plush” interior features velvet seats, suave curtains, grey and black marble tables and mood lighting which exudes warmth and elegance.

Mr Steere said Nectar fills a hole in the market in Geelong and provides the perfect opportunity to “savour the Mediterranean spirit and indulge in moments sure to become cherished memories.”

“Mandy (our chef) and I love Mediterranean food and have a huge appreciation for fine dining and fine cocktails,” he said.

“We felt there was certainly nothing around of this nature and took the chance to give people an opportunity to try something different in Geelong.

“Having been in the industry for 22 years, this was something I was really keen to foster in Geelong, and thus far it’s been well received.

“Nectar is a great addition to what my team and I feel we have built elsewhere in Geelong.”

Drawing inspiration from her experiences of Mediterranean culture, head chef Mandy Wright has carefully crafted a menu influenced by the region.

Using local ingredients and an abundance of seafood and local meats, Ms Wright welcomes diners to take a delightful journey through the countries and flavours surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

From the carpaccio of bresola, to the richness of the Moreton Bay bug linguini, Ms Wright has carefully selected all the flavours to evoke the spirit of the region.

“Mandy has really just taken the bull by the horns here,” he said.

“No one is doing what she’s doing in Geelong.

“The biggest seller is definitely the crab lasagne, it’s absolutely amazing!

“The brisolla with parmesan whip is delicious and the moretan bay bug linguini is absolute top goodness.

“It’s certainly one of those menus which you could easily eat everything!

“We’ve had some fussy eaters in before who have just been shocked with the plethora of options. Everyone is happy.

“Mandy’s 40 years in the industry certainly shine through in the menu.”

Mr Steere said Nectar’s bar offering pays homage to the age of mixology, with fine wines, decadent cocktails, and light snacks all fitting any occasion.

“Every sip is an experience and a chance to embrace the present and be charmed,” he said.

“Finn our venue manager and bar expert has handcrafted a beautifully meticulous lineup of cocktails and plenty of Mediterranean inspired wines to fill those moments.

“The Babylon is a huge favourite, as is the Rendesvous Beefeater with gin, lillet blanc , rocket, fennel, cucumber, absinthe, lime and pepperberry olive oil.

“French wines and Italian wines broadcast those Mediterranean vibes and feelings and we’ve also got the import and local beers to fit that mold.”

Nectar will add another string to their bow in the 2024 by hosting private functions and special lunches.

“We’ll be open for anything and everything, whatever suits the customer, we are down for,” he said.

“Function will certainly come up fast and we are perfectly suited to deliver that.

“The plush interior space can certainly be tailored to any type of crowd.”

Mr Steere said he has very high hopes for the restaurant and aims for it to be the top offering in Geelong.

“It’s fairly fresh, but it’s been taken really well,” he said.

“The reports and reviews coming through have just been fantastic across food, cocktails and the décor.

“Comments like “it’s the best place in Geelong” and “it’s amazing, you have to go” have been very nice to hear.

“Customers have certainly expressed their eagerness to come back as soon as they can.

“In the future I’ve got plans to push its boundaries by entering awards and to get it well recognised not just in Geelong, but across Victoria and Australia.

“We hope it becomes someone where people have to book in months in advance to even get in!”

Nectar is open Wednesday and Thursday 5pm-late, Friday and Saturday from 1pm and 5pm till late and Sunday from 1pm-3pm.

The venue is located at 239 Moorabool Street, Geelong.

To book, head to www.nectargeelong.com.au/