Circa, The Prince

Circa, The Prince operates inside the heritage Prince of Wales hotel on Acland St in St Kilda, a short walk from St Kilda beach, and serves a seasonal modern Australian menu in one of the suburb's better-known fine-dining rooms. Signature dishes have included roasted Milawa duck, King George whiting, and a seasonal tasting menu that changes with the availability of Victorian produce, giving the kitchen room to move beyond a fixed a la carte format. The dining room reflects the building's heritage character, with high ceilings and period detailing balanced against contemporary furnishings and lighting, creating a dining atmosphere that is elegant without being overly formal. The wine list draws heavily on Victorian regions such as the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley, matched to the seasonal, produce-driven menu. Circa opens for dinner Wednesday to Sunday, and given its position within the wider Prince of Wales hotel precinct -- which also includes a bar and function spaces -- reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends when the hotel draws a broader crowd from across St Kilda.