Dead Man Espresso

Dead Man’s angular aesthetic is a kind of evolution on industrial-revolution design, with heavy steel and wood furnishings, and symmetry in repeated patterns. The story goes that Dead Man references South Melbourne’s founding days: making the most of what’s available. On the tidy menu, that translates to ingredients produced on the roof (honey, herbs) as well as things like locally made Istra pancetta with dill, potato-and-leek croquettes. While peppery, tomato-baked beans may shoulder an over-poached egg, the terrifically textured, tasty warm kale salad with avocado, walnuts and radish is, like Dead Man, quite a dish.