Enjoy drinks and grazing plates for an alternative dinner party in Camberwell

The most memorable of nights should include great company, delicious food and a glass or two of something sparkling or soothing – in short, a dinner party.

But now there is a growing trend to take that gathering out of the house and into a cool bar where the cocktails are sophisticated, the fizz is fabulous and the vibe less home kitchen, more pub buzz.

And Camberwell has a host of hip evening and late-night venues where you can throw an alternative dinner party, whether you want individual dishes or shared platters.

Here’s where you can enjoy drinks and grazing plates for a relaxed yet enjoyable dinner party out and about in Camberwell:

Young’s Wine Rooms

Once Young’s Auction Rooms, this 100-year-old building offers a beautiful space for a wine bar and restaurant with seating for an intimate dinner or big get-together.

The modern Mediterranean menu at Young’s Wine Rooms includes delights such as free-range pork chop with parsnip puree, fennel jam, pork jus, micro chervil. There is also an oyster bar and charcuterie board to choose from.

The wine list offers a mix of Australian, French, Italian, Spanish or try something interesting from Georgie, Greece or Croatia.

La Cabra

Prefer a spicy, colourful evening? Let’s face it, you’d never create this menu at home. So, since you’re out enjoying a night in Camberwell, let La Cabra throw a whole lot of Latin love into your dinner party.

This modern Mexican eatery offers tacos, enchiladas, burgers, burritos and more. The beer, lager, ales and a selection of wines are a perfect match-up for the fiery food, while the cocktails will add extra spice to your night out.

East of Everything

With its craft beers and southern style cooking, the tucked away East of Everything takes your dinner gathering to a whole new level.

The bar, above sister venue Bar None, prides itself on its craft beer range and stock mostly local brews, with a few imported ciders and beers.

The food menu evokes a smoky, spicy southern US kitchen. Nashville style chicken wings and southern fried chicken are just some of the tempting offers.

And this haven of exotic brews and gastronomic gusto, which caters for all types of functions, has one more element to further spice up your night – incredible city views.

East End Wine Bar

This 1930s auction house has a casual communal approach to food. Family and friends can gather around a grazing plate with shareable offerings like stone fired pizzas, charcuterie boards and preserved meats.

And, of course, with wines from right around the globe to choose from, let the chatter flow with a glass or two with all that delicious share food.

East End Wine Bar – a joint venture between Demons player Max Gawn, Saint James Cafe owners Rich Donovan and Craig Tate and Burnley Brewing’s Phil Gijsbers – can hold 130 people across the indoor space and the courtyard.

Bar None

The comfy couches and basement location give a secret, hideaway vibe to Bar None. Renowned for its cocktails, it’s the perfect late-night escape for your dinner party crew.

The venue offers big, gather-around tables, an extensive cocktail list, 300 spirits to choose from and a selection of ales you likely haven’t heard of.

Indulge in a share plate of diego fries (fries loaded with pulled port, cheddar, remoulade, jalapenos – there’s also a vegetarian/vegan option) and have staff craft a creative cocktail for you and you have the alternative dinner party of our age.

This article was also published on the Annual Camberwell Dinner Party website.