Vlume

Vlume is a charming and chic tapas bar offering top notch service and food, occupying a white Queenslander cottage on Ascot's Racecourse Road.

Diners can take a seat on the front deck overlooking a fairylit poinciana tree, in the sunroom/parlour by the entrance, cool spacious interior, or the cosy deck out back.

The inviting high-ceilinged interior room features banquettes along a VJ panelled wall, circular tables, ceiling fans and bright orange and green cushions and a partially carpeted floor.

Wherever you sit you can expect a menu of delicious and varied food and attentive friendly service from the owner, family and friends who work there, making it feel like a home away from home.

Cold plates to share include tuna tacos with shoyu ponzu & fingerlime; Huon valley salmon pastrami with cultured cream, smoked caviar & rye; miso hummus, baby veg & flatbread; or charcuterie with grilled, pickled and roasted veges and flatbread.

Hot dishes include mushroom 'San Choi bow' with grilled broccolini & mushrooms; bug rolls with slipper lobster, roquette & bloody Mary aioli; fried zucchini flowers, smoked feta & fennel seed dukkah or Magra lamb cutlets with carrot 'mahummara', chimichurri, pomegranate & pine nuts.

From the oven there's a small selection of must-try Flemish-style 'pizzas with toppings such as creme fraiche, bacon, shallots & Gruyere cheese; salsiccia, calabrese, hot salami, sugo & oregano; and margarita (tomato, basil & fior de latte).

Sweet treats include hazelnut and milk chocolate tarts, chocolate and pistachio cannoli and ice cream sandwich with toffee biscuits, berry gel, honeycomb and lemon curd ice-cream. There are also a few options for kids, including garlic cheese pizza and chips.

Along with a selection of wines and beer, Vlume has an impressive cocktail list, offering all of the classics (think Espresso Martini, Pina Colada, Mojito, Long Island, Aperol Spritz, Negroni, Whiskey Sour, Southside and Cosmopolitan) as well as House Cocktails, including Lychee Martini, Capricosa and Mango (apricot brandy, rum, lemon, lime & mango).

Good to know - Walk-ins are welcome but bookings are recommended.

Need to know - There is street parking available out front on Racecourse Road and side streets. Vlume is approx 800 m (10 min) walk from Bretts Wharf Ferry Terminal.