Hospitality veteran Martin Pirc (Punch Lane, Saint. Urban, Juliet Melbourne) introduced Richmond to WAYGOOD, a relaxed cave à manger celebrating simple, seasonal dining in the space formerly housing Saint. Urban.
“The name WAYGOOD came to me when we stripped back Saint. Urban’s façade and found the name on a steel beam from the building’s original structure; it instantly aligned with our pared-back philosophy,” says Pirc.
Designed by Punch Inc. Executive Chef Nuno Gabriel, the menu will change weekly, offering nourishing, approachable food that will convert one-timers to regulars. Highlights from the opening menu include:
● Heirloom carrots, smoked honey, coconut yoghurt, soft herbs
● Cauliflower schnitzel, jalapeno kraut, mayo
● Pan-fried ricotta and sage gnocchi, mushroom, silverbeet
● Crispy white pepper chicken, braised cabbage, fried potatoes
On Saturdays, a concise brunch menu will feature dishes like Kimchi fried rice alongside generous drinks packages. A riff on Richmond’s postcode, locals are encouraged to drop by on Tuesday and Wednesday for 3121 specials: $31 for the daily plate and a “neighbourhood pour” of wine or beer, or the daily plate alone for $21.
Embracing the transparency of cellar service, patrons can grab a bottle to-go from the wall of 80 regularly changing tipples, or are invited to drink it in-house for $25 corkage per bottle. Curated by Chris Broughton (The European Group) the cellar list aims to champion local producers while showing diversity in varietal and price points. A wine club and event program in the works, set to bring makers from the regions to the city in the coming months.
Internal walls from the venue’s previous iteration have been removed, opening the space and amplifying natural light. A palette of soft yellows, honey tones, and timeworn timber makes the 45-seater dining room feel welcoming, illuminated by vintage, art deco table lamps scattered throughout. The curved bar remains a centerpiece, encircled by floating bespoke metal shelves that host WAYGOOD’s abundant wine collection. Outdoor, dog-friendly dining is also a fixture of the venue, with space on the terrace for 16 patrons to sit, sip, and supper along Swan Street.
At its heart a venue about community, patrons are encouraged to put down their phones and connect, but needn’t worry — they can order a bespoke WAYGOOD film camera from the menu to help them savour their memories.
Congratulations on the opening of WAYGOOD! What is the concept of the restaurant and the inspiration behind it?
Thanks! Waygood is a cave à manger. Essentially we take the best parts of a neighbourhood eatery and bottle shop and mix them together. Rather than charging restaurant prices for wine, they’re all listed at cellar prices and we simply add on $25 corkage if you would like to drink in-house. This means you can drink better wines at better prices.
How did you come up with the name?
The name WAYGOOD came to me when we stripped back Saint Urban’s façade and found the name on a steel beam from the building’s original structure; it instantly aligned with our pared-back philosophy.
What would be your top 3 must-try dishes?
The menu is inspired by seasonality, so it changes weekly. A cauliflower schnitzel with varying accompaniments has been a mainstay since opening, with an enthusiastic uptake from our plant-based customers, but aside from that, it’s all-new, meaning there’s always a reason to come in.
How would you describe the restaurant in 4 words?
Approachable, welcoming, generous, and honest.
