A neighbourhood bistro that happens to be excellent.
David Murphy has been cooking for over twenty years — Bistro Thierry, PM24, and a handful of kitchens that taught him what he wanted to do and what he didn't.
From the classical rigour of some of Melbourne's best French kitchens to the cult neighbourhood energy of 1800 Lasagne, he took the head chef role at Bar Nonno before buying the business and making it his own. Ruckers Hill is what happened next.
He's here every service. He'll probably come to your table. The food is French in its bones — precise technique, classic sauces, the kind of cooking that takes all day and looks effortless on the plate — with an Australian sensibility about what's seasonal and what's honest.
The philosophy is simple: great food should be accessible. The $89 tasting menu exists because David believes you shouldn't have to save up to eat well. Come in on a Wednesday. Come back on Sunday for the roast.
Bring someone who appreciates it.
The restaurant
Ruckers Hill sits at the base of Rucker's Hill at 83 High Street, Westgarth — a neighbourhood bistro two doors down from Westgarth Cinema. The front bar is for walk-ins, wine, and $2 oysters on a Friday afternoon. The dining room is for settling in. Upstairs is a private dining room for groups of up to 20. Out the back, a covered section for up to 40.
Come for the food. Stay because it's that good.
The best night of your week is closer than you think —