About

What was once a corner cafe is now a newly renovated neighbourhood bistro in the heart of Moonee Ponds.

It’s been eight years since Gippsland-born chef Dave Stewart secured his beloved site in Moonee Ponds. Launching Ascot Food Store in 2014, only now is the former Milkbar operating as he had always envisaged – a welcoming neighbourhood bistro.  

After navigating liquor licensing setbacks and multiple lockdowns, Ascot Food + Wine is all grown up and now open for dinner service from Wednesday through to Saturday. And while it’s still a spot for brunching, the focus is on quality lunch and dinner, alongside an impeccably curated drinks list that spans the globe.

In partnership with co-owners Shaun Hampson and Megan Gale, Ascot Food + Wine is the kind of venue where you come for the food and stay for the warm hospitality. Relaunching with alfresco dining, white linen-dressed tables are kissed by the veranda’s afternoon sun and provide the perfect setting for grazing on Dave’s ever-changing Euro-inspired menu and a couple of Yuzu Sours.

Inside the dimly-lit space sees guests linger in cosy corners and sink into comfortable banquette seating, accompanied by the sounds of cocktails shaking and a playlist that features hip-hop through to jazz and everything in between.

Dave’s menu is fine-dining without the pretense. With a penchant for seafood, it journeys from a selection of raw starters like Hiramasa Kingfish with burnt butter and verjuice and Yellow Fin Tuna with white soy and wakame. Entrees see Adelaide tomatoes presented carpaccio-style with pickled onion, olive, spring garlic, vinegar and stracciatella, and Hervey Bay scallops crusted with garlic butter and pangrattato gratin.

Ricotta Tortellini with plump Spencer Gulf whole king prawns is just one of many pasta dishes, and ‘The Grill’ section features standouts like Gippsland grass-fed fillet mignon and 400g Pork Tomahawk served alongside peppercorn sauce.

There’s a strong focus on cocktails and the wine list is extensive. Expect local drops as well as rare international finds – particularly from Italy and France. And if you’re a whisky enthusiast like Shaun and Dave, you’re in for a treat.

With a rich hospitality career that has spanned a host of reputable venues (Number one Fitzroy Street, Hilton on the Park, Tender Trap, The Vincent Albert Park, Morgans), he says Ascot Food + Wine is now right where he wants it.

“When I first launched the cafe it was always my dream to introduce quality evening dining to Moonee Ponds. And while we’re still buzzing during the day, dinner service is where we shine. Bistro fare gets me excited and it’s where I feel most comfortable.”

“We’ve come to know the locals well across our time – we know what they want and we’re all about making people feel right at home. If our guests can leave happier than they arrived and with a full belly – well, that makes my heart happy.”