Saint Lucia just celebrated its one year anniversary and there are no signs of business slowing down. This humble eatery is a little slice of Caribbean heaven tucked away on the Windsor end of Chapel street. Also known as your new favourite hot spot.
This bar and restaurant, who has been lovingly named after its fellow Eastern Caribbean island, is open from 5pm till late Tues-Fri and 4pm until late on Saturday and Sunday. The idea was born from owners Charlie and Steph who fell in love with the food, experience and overall vibes of the Caribbean islands whilst on holiday.
Back in Melbourne they noticed that there weren’t many Caribbean style venues around, and with that, Saint Lucia was born, filling a hole that the city didn’t know needed to be filled.
The aim of this restaurant is to provide food with a modern twist using bold, tropical tastes with influences from Caribbean, Cuban and Southern American flavours.
On first glance, the venue is vibrant and quirky, definitely not like your typical ‘tiki’ bars. The décor is a mixture of trinkets Charlie and Steph have picked up on their travels, mixed with bits and pieces they’ve acquired from friends and family. It’s homely and warm, and you feel just that when you step inside.
Come in with some mates and enjoy a range of shared plates, which is how the food has been designed to be enjoyed. A menu favourite is the Pulled Beef Brisket, which is smoked for 8 hours and then slow cooked, a process that last three days. There are a lot of words that come to mind when thinking about this dish; namely soft, rich, mouth-watering. With lots (and lots) of love going into each serving, it’s easy to see why it’s earned its high status amongst the regulars of Saint Lucia.
A popular drink choice is ‘The Super Yacht’, a summer cocktail of spiced rum, aperol, lime, orange, cranberry, apple, mint and soda. The name is inspired by the luxury yachts that can be seen floating blissfully on the Caribbean waters.
Charlie and Steph are a lovely couple, and their excitement to share their passion with the people of Melbourne is palpable. You can find them at Saint Lucia every night of the week, and the love and dedication they have towards their restaurant is reflected in their service. If time allows it, they are happy to sit and have a chat and answer any queries or questions you might have, or, share a few stories of their travels.
The duo take their philosophies of relaxed and friendly hospitality from their experiences of the Caribbean people and their vibrant culture. These values have been passed on to their staff and customers alike and they welcome each and every patron into their restaurant as if they were inviting them into their home.
To put it simply, they believe in sharing good food with good company, and mixing holiday vibes with the bustle of city life.
Saint Lucia is a great space to hold a function or event too. The versatile space is perfect for a range of events, and can cater for 15-70 people.
There is an option to hire out the cozy and bright courtyard at the back of the venue, which has a clear covering to let the sun in and also shield the rain. It’s the perfect spot where you can pretend you’re on a little island somewhere (no matter what Melbourne’s unpredictable weather throws at you).
Furniture can be easily moved to accommodate for any style of event.
There is also an option to hire the entire venue, which can accommodate up to 70 people. You can be as flexible as you like with seating and furniture. There is a range of function packages with different menu options to choose from, or, let the experts tailor make something special for you.
Saint Lucia is a place for everyone, whether you’re after a quiet dinner, a Sunday session or a casual work function. Give in to the capable team at Saint Lucia, where all you have to do is sit back and let yourself be transported on a Caribbean holiday. I guarantee one visit will put you on their growing list of regulars.
FOR MORE INFO ON SAINT LUCIA, CLICK HERE
TO HOST YOUR NEXT FUNCTION OR EVENT AT SAINT LUCIA, CLICK HERE
Indah Da Silva
