Melbourne, get ready to pick up your culinary skills with these take-home boxes…
Looking for that middle ground between lazing around with a takeaway and slaving over a hot stove making dinner from scratch? Enter cook-at-home boxes. That’s right, thanks to COVID-19 the good souls at some of our favourite restaurants across Melbourne are putting in the hard graft so that we can reap the benefits. These chefs have already done the hard work, creating restaurant-quality dishes, and all you need to do is follow some simple instructions to have delicious grub ready in minutes. Whether you pick up, or even simply wait for the good news of the doorbell, this is the ultimate stay-at-home dining solution.
So, if you want to be sure you’ll be tucking into something delicious tonight, here’s 11 incredible Melbourne restaurants serving up high-quality cook-at-home boxes for you.
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The Left Handed Chef
If you’re a fan of Israeli cuisine, there’s only one place to look – The Left Handed Chef. Offering take-home feasts like no other, one of Melbourne’s favourite take-home boxes are all prepared at the hands of talented chef and founder, Ehud Malka. Think freshly baked pita bread, chicken schnitzels, cooked falafels, flavoursome sides and the famous Left Handed Chef hummus! Boxes range from an Israeli feast for two ($55) to the mighty SHUK Box ($125), which will more than cater for any large family affairs with chicken schnitzel, fried cauliflower, challah, hummus, pita, falafel and plenty more to fill every stomach in the house.
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Rochford Wines
Whether you’re looking for something essential, or something a little bit special, Rochford Wines will have the goods for you. This Yarra Valley winery and restaurant did the ultimate pivot when COVID-19 first reared its head back in March, and since then, they’ve been offering fresh produce, groceries and dinners for delivery. If you’re just after the basics, their Fresh Fruit and Veggie Box ($37.50) will make sure you’re stocked up with organic food. Or, if you’re looking for some guidance from their great chefs, Rochford Wines’ Pizza and Pasta Feasting Pack ($129) feeding four to six people will have you indulging in two pizzas, a humongous lasagna, arancini balls, salad, dessert and even a bottle of wine. All you need to do is heat it up and serve!
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That's Amore Cheese
Fancy something cheesy? As demand from their usual restaurant customers declined, direct supplier, That’s Amore Cheese has shifted their business to home delivery offering chef-quality ingredients in the comfort of your own kitchen. Their Essential Box ($40) includes all the basics such as fresh pasta, sauce and a selection of delicious cheeses. But, for those with a sweet tooth, the cannoli offering will be hard to miss with a choice of 12 mini shells or six large shells, That’s Amore Cheese ricotta filling, icing sugar and crushed pistachios – the perfect end to your homemade Italian feast at home!
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Good Times Milk Bar
If you’re looking for an excuse to crack open that at-home margarita mix, let Good Times Milk Bar give you the answer. Their Tropico Taqueria is supplying you with everything you need this Tuesday (or any day of the week if you’re a maverick), with their DIY Taco Kits. Each pack ($25) comes kitted out with six soft tacos, portioned fillings, garnish, toppings and sauces – all you need to do is choose between beef, chicken, pork or sweet potato. And as if that didn’t sound good enough, they’re also offering a Quesadilla offering and delivered cocktails too!
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Bar Lourinha
With a changing menu each week, Melbourne CBD favourite, Bar Lourinha will transport you to Lisbon without leaving your home. Each box ($110) is suitable for two-three people, and will offer a combination of fresh bread, snacks, appetisers, and of course, traditional mains such as peri peri chicken. All heating and cooking instructions are included, plus you’ll be able to add your own favourite tipple into the mix for a little extra. It’s the perfect way to have chef-quality Portuguese food without leaving your sofa.
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Oriental Teahouse
If you’re planning a steamy night in, make sure not to forget Oriental Teahouse’s DIY Dumpling Kits, available for pick up or delivery. A great activity with loved ones, simply choose your filling (or two), and you’ll receive everything you need to roll and cook 30 chef-quality dumplings. Our pick? The Wagyu Beef ($15) with spring onion, water chestnut and sesame. Plus, you can even add in takeaway cocktails for the ultimate date night at home.
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Brunswick Kitchen
Neighbourhood icon, Brunswick Kitchen, might not be currently offering their salt-of-the-earth cooking classes, but that’s no reason to miss out on their hearty take-home options. With a menu that rotates daily, you can check their Instagram for the latest culinary goodies that they’ll be serving up. Plus, Brunswick Kitchen always ensures to include vegetarian and vegan options, so no dietary requirements are missing out.
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St ALi
We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and at St ALi, they’ve really taken it to heart. This Melbourne coffee staple is helping you tackle that hangover, brunch fix or even late-night craving with a make-at-home box to be enjoyed at home. Their Big Breakfast Box ($99) serves two and is equipped with house-made hash browns, St ALi spiced baked beans, roast mushrooms with shiitake vinaigrette, fresh avocado, uncle’s polish sausage, a six-pack of iced coffees and more. Plus they throw in a heap of thoughtful provisions to get you through the day including Ned’s Bake Sourdough, full cream milk and a hand sanitiser. All you need to do is open the curtains, pop on the kettle and seize the day.
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Faye
Lygon Street’s beloved eatery is serving up ‘Faye at Your Place‘ – a simple finish at home menu where all you need is a few minutes and some basic home kitchen equipment! Indulge in the delicious home-made pasta, flavoursome sides and, of course, it wouldn’t be a Faye feast without a slice of the renowned sourdough bread with cultured butter. Boxes let you choose from three-courses ($85) or keep it simple with just two ($60).
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Punch Lane
The passionate team behind this Bourke Street wine bar have launched a do-it-yourself dining menu so you can enjoy the renowned and sophisticated restaurant experience within the comfort of your home. Complete with all the key ingredients and a step-by-step recipe to recreate favourite dishes including Duck Cassoulet, family pies, gnocchi and Basque Chicken & Chorizo Stew. They’ll be mixing it up each week with new dishes and they are currently available for pick up and home delivery. Select meals can be frozen or stored for up to three days.
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Atlas
This in-home cooking experience was founded by hatted chef and global trotter, Charlie Carrington with an aim to help you make restaurant-worthy meals at home in 30-minutes or less. Each week, the box focuses on cuisine from around the world, so that you can have a taste of travel without leaving your house. Melbourne foodies will receive an ingredient box, virtual lessons and complimentary recipes – simply choose your number of diners from one, two, four and six. Vegetarian boxes are also available too.
Melbourne want more delicious goodies to dine on at home? Read our top takeaway picks across the city which make staying at home worthwhile. Want to hone your cooking skills yourself? Read this cookbook with recipes from restaurants and cafes across Melbourne. Or if you want to look further afield, try these top digital cookbooks to download.
