When it comes to modern-day Melbourne hospitality legends, it's hard to think of a name more impressive than Andrew McConnell. The prominent chef and restaurateur, along with his partner Jo McGann and their tight-knit Trader House group, have spearheaded some of the city's best-loved restaurants and bars over the years – Gimlet, Apollo Inn, Supernormal, Builders Arms Hotel, Marion, Cumulus Inc, Cutler and several more successful projects.
And the powerhouse team aren't planning to slow down anytime soon, with plans announced for a brand-new restaurant to add to their portfolio: Côte Basque.
Set to open in the former Becco site in Melbourne’s CBD, the European-style grill will take inspiration from the fresh ingredient-driven cuisine and vibrant energy of the Basque Coast.
“The name references our love of Basque culture and the coastline that bridges the northern Basque region of Spain and the southwest of France,” says McConnell. “The raw beauty of the region and a bounty of benchmark produce have long been an inspiration for us. The tradition of woodfired cooking that defines this region will be central to the menu and influence not only what we cook, but how we cook.”
The ground floor space will seat around 100 guests and retain many of the building's original features, from the green terrazzo floor to the stepped dining room and street-level windows along Crossley Street. The restaurant is currently being designed in collaboration with Vince Alafaci and Caroline Choker of Acme, with a strong focus on preserving the cultural heritage of the space, both in terms of its mid-century architecture and its predecessor inhabitants (Becco, Pellegrini's, Bella Vista).
“It has been both a joy and a challenge reimagining this iconic space to both retain its legacy and evolve it for the future,” adds McConnell. “We don’t have many heritage restaurant spaces in Melbourne, and to have the opportunity to restore the original features in this room is a dream.”
Côte Basque will open in winter 2026. Subscribe at the website to stay tuned for any updates or follow on Instagram.
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