Housed in Melbourne's newest and most vibrant retail and entertainment hub, Eastlands Shopping Centre, Hunter & Barrel's warm wooden interior, warmly lit with chandeliers made from antlers aplenty, is a fabulous contemporary dining experience. The space is impressive, featuring a wall of wooden oak barrels, a wall of bluestone and where guests are accommodated in comfortable leather booths and chairs. It's fun to watch the theatre of the kitchen and bar staff as they prep the food and drinks; to watch as the braised soups, slow-cooked meats, pies, and hearty stews are prepared on the coal and spit rotisserie. The smoky aromas only contribute to the warm ambience of the eatery where the food is satisfying, and the servings are generous. Be sure to go to the restaurant hungry. The sandwich section is a highlight, especially the baguette with chopped pork with plenty of crackling and pickled cabbage. If chasing a drink, there are craft beers, wines on tap and barrel-aged spirits and cocktails, all of which go beautifully with a shared Hunter charcuterie board