Charred Octopus
Tender octopus with a smoky char, finished with lemon and paprika. The dish is designed to be eaten with one hand, keeping the other free for cards. Its bright, savoury profile cuts through the intensity of a long poker session.
Dining Menu
A menu crafted for the card lounge: dishes designed to be shared between poker hands and savoured during long sessions.
The menu is built around the rhythms of offline poker, offering small plates and hearty mains that don't interrupt the game. Every dish is prepared with local Australian ingredients and presented with a 1970s Modernist flair.
Book Your TableDesigned for Poker Sessions
Our menu is built around the flow of an evening at the poker table. Dishes are timed to arrive between hands, with shareable plates that keep the focus on the game. Small plates and finger foods can be enjoyed without leaving the table, hearty mains suit longer breaks during poker gatherings, and desserts with after-dinner drinks round off a session.
The 1970s Modernist Touch
Every dish is presented with a nod to the 1970s Australian Modernist aesthetic: sculptural plating, warm earthy tones, and a sense of occasion that matches the lounge's smoked-glass and soft-black interiors. Plates and serving ware are chosen to echo the venue's design language, and menus are printed on textured paper with a vintage feel.
Truffle Arancini
Crisp risotto balls filled with smoked mozzarella and finished with truffle. These shareable bites arrive warm and are easy to pass around the poker table without interrupting play.
Smoked Almonds
House-smoked almonds tossed with rosemary and sea salt. A tactile, savoury snack that keeps the table focused and the atmosphere relaxed between hands.
Grilled Lamb Cutlets
Lamb cutlets grilled over open flame, served with mint and pomegranate. A substantial but not heavy main that lets players return to the table refreshed after a longer break.
Roasted Pumpkin Risotto
Creamy risotto with roasted pumpkin, sage, and parmesan. Comforting and warming, it suits a mid-session pause during a poker gathering without leaving anyone feeling sluggish.
Barramundi
Pan-seared barramundi with lemon butter and capers. Light yet satisfying, it is a refined choice for diners who want a complete meal without leaving the card lounge atmosphere.
Burnt Orange Crème Brûlée
A silky custard with a crackled caramel top, infused with burnt orange. Its warm, citrusy finish echoes the lounge's palette and makes a celebratory end to a poker night.
Chocolate Espresso Tart
Dark chocolate and espresso tart finished with smoked salt. A rich, focused dessert that pairs beautifully with a short break between poker hands.
Pavlova
Crisp pavlova with passionfruit and cream. Light, bright, and shareable, it is an ideal sweet finish for a relaxed card lounge evening.
Featured Dishes: Poker Table Pairings
Poker Pairing
The Velvet Platter
A curated selection of cheeses, cured meats, and house-made pickles, designed for sharing across the poker table. The platter is refreshed between rounds so it never interrupts play. It includes local Australian cheeses and charcuterie, served on a smoked-glass board with sculptural presentation.
Poker Pairing
Smoked Trout Rillettes
A rich, smoky spread served with grilled sourdough, perfect for a quick bite between hands. The trout is smoked in-house, echoing the lounge's smoky atmosphere. Made with locally sourced trout, it pairs well with a dusty teal cocktail.
Dining During Poker Sessions
Seamless Service
Our staff are trained to serve quietly and efficiently during poker sessions, ensuring that food arrives without disrupting the game. Dishes are placed on side tables or served directly to players at the poker table. Dishes are designed to be eaten with one hand, and service is timed to coincide with natural breaks in play.
- Dishes are designed to be eaten with one hand.
- Service is timed to coincide with natural breaks in play.
- Side tables keep the poker table clear and focused.
The Card Lounge Atmosphere
Dining at Velvet Courthouse is an extension of the card lounge experience. The warm lighting, smoked-glass partitions, and soft background music create an atmosphere that is both focused and relaxed. The dining area overlooks the poker room, allowing diners to watch games, and tables are spaced to provide privacy for poker gatherings.
"The dining room feels like a natural extension of the poker table — every dish is made to be shared, savoured, and returned to."
Reserve Your Seat
Join us for a meal that complements the poker experience. Book a table in the dining room or reserve a spot at the poker table for an evening of cards and cuisine. Book online or call us at +61 459 817 246. Private poker rooms available for groups.
More Than a Menu
The dining menu is just one part of the Velvet Courthouse experience. Explore the restaurant's full story, from its 1970s Modernist design to its role as a dedicated offline poker lounge. Learn about the venue's history and design philosophy, and see the poker room and card lounge in detail.
Visit the Restaurant Page