Ophelia Shifts Into Evenings with Pasta Vinyl and Late Night Energy
Ophelia in Westgarth has long been a favourite for daytime diners, with its sunlit charm, excellent coffee and the kind of brunch that doesn’t try too hard. But now, she’s staying up a little later. From mid-June, the all-day eatery will be open for dinner three nights a week, adding Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings to the mix.
Ophelia Westgarth
There’s no dramatic reinvention here. Just a natural evolution. The lights get a little lower, the playlist a little deeper, and the food takes a cue from relaxed European dining. You can still swing by for a solo glass of wine and a snack or settle in with friends and order half the menu.
At the helm is Executive Chef Mitchell Velo, whose resume includes Cumulus Inc, Marion and Milton Wine Shop. He’s joined by Heidi Modra, formerly of Pinotta, who brings plenty of neighbourhood bistro cred to the floor. Together they’ve shaped a dinner menu that’s sharp, seasonal and unfussy.
On Tuesdays, Ophelia runs a Twenty Dollar Pasta Night, with a tight weekly rotation of house-made plates. One week might be rigatoni with beef cheek ragu, another might star gnocchi with pecorino or a seafood pasta tossed in prawn bisque. It’s timed perfectly to pair with a movie at the Westgarth Theatre across the road, making it a very tempting midweek ritual.
Fridays and Saturdays take on a livelier tone thanks to Pour and Play, a rotating series of vinyl DJ sets featuring the likes of Freddy Gardens, Mothafunk and Frizzy McGuire. Expect warm disco, low-lit energy and small plates that hold their own against any big night out.
Snacks include pickled mussel toast with aioli and aleppo, dates filled with nduja and pancetta, and hot smoked trout rillette served with crisps and caperberries. There’s also a tight chalkboard wine list focused on local and European producers, plus a cocktail selection reserved exclusively for the dinner crowd.
Desserts change weekly. Think brûléed lemon tart with crème fraîche one week and a plush olive oil cake topped with poached quince and white chocolate the next.
For the early birds, aperitivo hour runs from four to six, with rotating bites and drink specials that make sticking around until dinner feel very easy. Bookings are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome and the tone is easygoing.
Ophelia’s evenings aren’t about turning into something new. They’re just a continuation of what she’s always done well — great produce, good tunes and that elusive balance between casual and considered.
Follow @opheliawestgarth or visit opheliawestgarth.com.au for bookings and updates.
Ophelia in Westgarth has long been a favourite for daytime diners, with its sunlit charm, excellent coffee and the kind of brunch that doesn’t try too hard. But now, she’s staying up a little later. From mid-June, the all-day eatery will be open for dinner three nights a week, adding Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings to the mix.
