Protagonist

Much like the name suggests, Protagonist plays a lead role in creating a distinctive and memorable impression at Arts Centre Melbourne.

Protagonist is defined by striking architectural mesh, akin to a bronze curtain that is raised as the café opens in the morning and then lowered at night to signify end of service. Popular for your morning coffee fix, Protagonist serves up custom coffee blends and breakfast options including our popular jaffles and toasties.

Choose from freshly baked cakes and biscuits, for lunch options include sandwiches, wraps, salads and savoury pastries which you can enjoy in the open-air surrounds on the forecourt. Or perhaps gather some gourmet treats for a picnic in the nearby Queen Victoria Gardens.

Arts Centre Melbourne is a cashless venue accepting credit or debit card payments.

Open until late for Summer 2025

From 13 December 2024 to 16 February 2025, Protagonist will become your new summer evening destination for alfresco drinks and nibbles. Starting with SÉANCE | DARKFIELD and and FLIGHT | DARKFIELD the shipping container experiences in residence on the Theatres Forecourt - Protagonist will be open until late and offering a new menu.

Special DARKFIELD-themed cocktail: Dark N Stormy - Untold spiced rum, lime juice, ginger beer - $19

Victorian Shepherd’s brie - served with quince paste, baguette slices, beetroot crackers, grapes, kalamata olives - $27

Andrew’s Choice Mister Cannubi capocollo, Borgo Australian Prosciutto, San Jose dry aged chorizo, Virginia ham - served with kalamata olives, cornichons, dinner rolls, baguette - $27

Two chocolate glazed donuts, gold dusting -$12

Spicy cornflake crumbed chicken breast, sriracha mayo, coleslaw, charcoal brioche bun - $15

Stay tuned for more Protagonist summer evening offers throughout Asia TOPA Festival (20 February - 10 March 2025) and beyond.