Just Open: The Brass Coq, Melbourne CBD

The custom-made chesterfields are coming any day to complete this new-school Vietnamese eatery and bar. When they arrive, the upstairs cocktail bar will be open for low-lit lounging.

The downstairs eatery opened quietly about six weeks ago. The slate floors and white-washed brick walls bearing pots of languidly reaching creepers give a French farmhouse feel. The communal table and bar seating along the front window suit solo folks on their lunch hour looking for a fragrant pho with slices of rare, blushing beef followed by a traditional Vietnamese drip-filter coffee.

From a couple of tables there's a view through the window into the kitchen where chef Phong Nguyen might be teasing papaya salad up into a small tower or plating a crisp barramundi fillet served in tamarind broth.

The short menu is also big on small plates, like spring rolls or pork skewers, and is supplemented by monthly specials.

Open Monday to Friday 11.30am to 3pm, 5pm to 11pm; Saturday 5pm to 11pm.

The Brass Coq, 470 Little Lonsdale Street, opposite Healeys Lane, 9640 0035, thebrasscoq.com