Upper Middle brings all-day dining to Eastern Rd development
Upper Middle has opened on Eastern Rd in South Melbourne, marking the first solo venue from long-time operator Franck Sammut. His track record includes France-Soir, Bistro Thierry, Stokehouse and The Botanical, placing the opening within a known segment of Melbourne’s hospitality market.
The venue sits inside the Fortis-managed Eastern Rd development, adding a food and beverage anchor to a precinct designed for mixed daily use. It positions itself around repeat local trade rather than destination dining, with an all-day offering built for regular foot traffic.
Sammut said the venue reflects a shift towards a more personal approach. “Upper Middle is a new chapter for me, and one I’m excited to bring to South Melbourne. After many years working in other dining rooms, it feels special to create something that reflects my own style of hospitality; relaxed, genuine and built for the neighbourhood.
“The menu and the space both draw on the food and places I love: simple things done well, European touches, and a room with personality. My hope is that it becomes part of people’s daily routine, a spot they return to without thinking,” Sammut concludes.
Head Chef Lakshay Kapoor leads the kitchen after training at Le Cordon Bleu Melbourne and progressing through Bistro Thierry. His background supports a menu that focuses on consistent execution across high-turnover items.
Menu built for volume and repeat trade
The menu centres on a baguette and pizza bar, supported by brunch and St Ali coffee. This mix reflects a broader shift in Melbourne towards hybrid venues that serve across multiple dayparts to maximise throughput.
Baguette options include combinations such as Ham-Damme with premium leg ham, Comte and pickled beetroot, and Prosciutto with DOP prosciutto, stracciatella and basil pesto. Other options include Poulet with poached chicken and kipfler potato, Salmon with house-cured salmon and fennel salad, and a vegetarian option with roasted vegetables and goat’s cheese mousse.
The pizza offering focuses on familiar formats with incremental variation. Options include Margherita with San Marzano tomato and fior di latte, Patata with potato and rosemary, and Prosciutto with buffalo mozzarella and 18-month DOP prosciutto. Additional listings include Gamberetti with prawns and herbs, Porcini with mushrooms and truffle oil, and Daniella with nduja, salami and jalapeño honey.
Design studio In Addition has delivered an interior that reinforces a neighbourhood positioning while maintaining a polished finish. The fit-out uses layered green tones, timber, stone and warm white surfaces, with vintage French newspaper clippings applied across walls.
The layout places food preparation and display in clear view, reflecting a wider move towards transparency and speed in casual dining environments. The venue accommodates 60 guests across indoor and terrace seating, supporting both quick visits and longer stays.
Upper Middle operates from 7am to 4pm daily, with extended evening service from Thursday to Saturday. The trading hours and menu design indicate a focus on consistent daily revenue rather than peak-only performance.
Address: 34 Eastern Rd, South Melbourne
Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 7am to 4pm; Thursday to Saturday 7am to 4pm and 7pm until late
