Hand-Selected German Beer, Authentic German Food, And Classic German Hospitality Keep Hofbräuhaus A Classic

It’s been more than 55 years since Melbourne institution Hofbräuhaus opened, bringing a taste of German hospitality – or ‘Gemütlichkeit’ (good vibes) – to Chinatown. Throughout its extensive history, it has continued to serve traditional German beers and authentic German cuisine alongside promoting live entertainment and classic German celebrations such as Oktoberfest.
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​Executive Chef Sunny Gilbert (Movida Next Door), who recently joined with a team of friends to take over the icon, is determined to uphold Hofbräuhaus’s decades-long reputation alongside German native and “Mr Authenticity” Brand Manager Philipp Hockenberger and Head Chef Kristin Gonzales. ​
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​“We want our guests to feel like they’ve stepped inside a German beer hall or restaurant,” says Sunny. “Every element of Hofbräuhaus, from its beer to its food menu and music, has been hand-selected to recreate the raucous, welcoming spirit of those famous Bavarian community spaces. Whether you’re from Germany, have visited once or twice, or have never set foot in the country before, we want to ensure your experience is authentic and exciting.”
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​Philipp adds, “There are two personalities at Hofbräuhaus, that we consistently deliver in this 600-seat venue. There’s the high-quality, authentic German food, served in hearty portions that deliver value for money. Then there’s the ambience and experience, the vibe, or as we like to say: ‘it’s das wibe”.

Southern German cuisine forms the majority of the menu, which stars familiar dishes such as schnitzel, pork knuckle and currywurst (the curry sauce made in-house using a traditional recipe from Berlin) as well as lesser-known Germanic classics including flammkuchen (flatbread with various toppings) and schupfnudeln (gnocchis). Everything is cooked fresh in-house, often to old family recipes, including chicken, veal, pork and cauliflower schnitzels, which are crumbed to order and served with sides such as potato salad, slaw and chips.
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​Other Bavarian classics include:

“The food at Hofbräuhaus is some of the most authentically German cuisine you’ll find anywhere in Australia,” says Sunny. “And in classic German style, one plate of food is more than enough to keep you full (though you should always save room for dessert!). We’re proud that the majority of our sauces, pastries, sourdough and desserts are made in-house – but the food is just one part of the package that makes the entire Hofbräuhaus experience.” 

Every beer poured at Hofbräuhaus is handpicked by Philipp, with a focus on family- and state-owned German breweries. Philipp says Hofbrauhaus has one of Australia's largest selections of imported premium German beer: “We are keen to promote the traditions that have made Germany’s beer industry so vital for hundreds of years. Not only do we avoid brews from massive mainstream brewers, but we do our best to put on specialties like the legendary Eisbock, as well as seasonal beers like Maibock, which is traditionally served in May, and the Oktoberfest Bier, poured only during Oktoberfest season.”
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​Each brew adheres to the German Bier Purity Law, which dates back to the 16th century and is the oldest law relating to beverages in the world. ​
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​Beyond beers, the wine list champions German varietals such as riesling and Pinot Noir, as well as Austrian grapes including Zweigelt and gruner veltliner, with drops from both Europe and Australia. Classic cocktails such as Espresso Martinis are on the pour, alongside German-inspired concoctions, including the Cheesecake Martini (limoncello, vanilla-infused vodka, honey, lemon); Apple Strudel Martini (vanilla vodka, apple-cinnamon infusion, malt syrup, pastry crisp) and Pear Margarita (classic German pear brandy, tequila blanco, lime, agave).

Hofbräuhaus is also the place to be for Oktoberfest – it begins its celebrations the same day in September as in Germany, then continues all the way through until the end of October. Expect steins, German bands and stein-carrying competitions. But it’s not just on special occasions when Hofbräuhaus shines. From 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm on weekends, the venue puts on live music, while its weekday express lunch is available from midday to 3 pm and offers an array of dishes for $22 and under. ​
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​Hofbräuhaus’s long tables – which date back to the 1970s – and extensive menu lends the venue well to special occasions, while central European expats will find a slice of home in the heart of Melbourne. 

​About Hofbräuhaus

​18-28 Market Ln, Melbourne, VIC 300
​Hofbräuhaus Melbourne has been an iconic institution in Melbourne's culinary landscape since 1968. It is famous for its authentic German cuisine, imported German premium Bier and live entertainment on the weekend. As the oldest Hofbrauhaus outside Germany, it's one of the only non-Asian eateries in the heart of Chinatown and showcases how diverse Melbourne city is.
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​Hofbräuhaus Team

Private Dining Spaces and Capacity 

Website: www.hofbrauhaus.com.au
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Instagram: @hofbrauhaus_melbourne
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Facebook: @hbmelbourne