Etta was always supposed to be a little Lygon Street wine bar. But its runaway success turned it into one of Melbourne’s best restaurants – with all the expectations that come with that.

Daphne is take two for Green’s vision of an approachable neighbourhood diner. It’s in the former Bar Romantica space, just a few doors down from Etta. Her casual approach started with the design for the 125-seat venue. Fans of Bar Romantica – and Cafe Romantica before it – will have an uncanny experience when they visit Daphne. It’s almost completely different, but it somehow feels familiar.

Head chef Diana Desensi’s casual menu is broadly European. Make a beeline for the Bloody Mary tomato salad, with new season tomatoes; filled pasta in milk sauce; and the roast chicken, served in a rich sauce alongside blistered grapes. The menu shifts around with the seasons, but there’ll always be pasta, a burger and a steak. 

After 10pm, the selection switches over to a smaller, snackier supper menu, which runs till midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, DJs play until 1am, with last orders at midnight. 

Suppertime is a good opportunity to investigate the cocktails, created by Sam Peasnell, who also oversees drinks at Etta. It’s a ripping range, but the Guinness Americano and the 3057 Martini are standouts.