Step inside Docklands’ newest dining destination

Docklands’ culinary credentials will be boosted this May with the arrival of Friends of Fire and Amphora, two new restaurants from Melbourne hospitality heavyweights as part of Marvel Stadium’s $225 million upgrade.

The two venues, located at gate three of Marvel Stadium, are spearheaded by hospitality veteran Greg Kahan, in partnership with Peter Filipovic (former CEO of Carlton United Breweries) and Peter Sidwell (At The Heads, The Dunes, and Sutton Grange).

Design and architecture firm Hachem was tasked with the fit-out which greets diners with three imposing wood-fired barbecue grills, each specifically designed for either carnivores, vegans or pescatarians as the new restaurants celebrate diverse palates.

Behind the pass, you’ll find acclaimed chef and author Shannon Martinez, known for her work in the vegan food scene; Aaron Rodrigues, executive chef of The George on Collins, to focus on meat and fish, and Brazilian-born Eduardo Schlichting to bring gaucho flair to the table.

“It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and on both levels the elevated food offering is something sports fans would not expect to encounter in a stadium,” Kahan said.

“Amphora and Friends of Fire will be a place where every Marvel Stadium patron will feel welcome while enjoying a unique eating and drinking experience.”

Friends of Fire is an American-style steakhouse and grill, with a focus on Southern, New England and New York City-style food.

While holding true to her plant-based roots, Martinez says to expect vastly different flavour profiles to her other restaurants, along with some permanent fan-favourites on the Friends of Fire menu.

For almost every meat and seafood dish, Martinez has designed a vegan alternative.

Rodrigues, who specialises in Asian, French, and modern Australian cuisine, said his pick of the menu was the Pork Ribs with Peach Tea barbecue sauce.

“I do a lot of fermenting at home and love the flavours that it brings out,” he said.

“We’ve got split king prawns with a fermented chilli butter sauce, which is incredible.”

The menu features dishes including a 28-day dry-aged rib eye with café Paris butter, split king prawns with garlic and fermented chilli butter, and grilled lobster thermidor with cognac and mustard; a potato menu where you can choose them mashed, as chips, hash browns, or baked with sour cream, and ice cream sundaes accompanied by six different sweet pie flavours including apple, cherry, and banana cream.

Friends of Fire is open from 12pm until late from Tuesday to Saturday. Upstairs, 200-seat sister restaurant Amphora will open Thursday to Saturday 4pm till late offering a more refined, sleek interior with a new American menu.

In coming months, The Wine Room is poised to open its doors, offering a hidden haven where the finest selections of vintage wines will flow, providing an unparalleled experience in private dining.

Both venues are open for all Marvel Stadium event days. •