From it’s days as an neglected industrial area, Williamstown is now a modern, fashionable suburb known as a scenic, sea-side sanctuary and for the proliferation of many notable restaurants and cafes. Here, Porters sits as a local staple offering gourmet, modern Australian fare in a beautiful setting. Keeping up with the rising popularity of premium, convenience meals, the team are also proud to offer their ‘Porters At Home’ packs for those that want to enjoy their quality offerings without leaving home.

Opening their doors into 2018, Porters originally operated as a full-day venue serving breakfast, lunch and dinner by husband and wife duo, John and Zoey Porter. Having emigrated from England and settling in Williamstown, they felt that there was a lack of casual, yet sophisticated venues in the area where they could go to enjoy time together. Personally designed by the Porters themselves, the couple spent over 3 months fitting and transforming the venue from an empty, concrete shell to an elegant space, filled with statement lighting and accents of grey, green and gold. In time, they opted to focus their identity as a restaurant and wine bar, choosing to open only later in the day in order to offer a more intimate experience and to match the relaxed pace of the Western suburb.

Porters’ menu focuses on quality and is inspired by Australia’s rich cultural diversity, with produce being locally sourced. The Porters see their food as a way to express their love of Australia and all that the country has to offer. Each week, Chef, Cathlyn Chow, creates a new entree, main and dessert special – an important undertaking to keep things interesting, considering the many loyal customers that come back to Porters time and time again. Previous crowd favourites include Crispy Skin Barramundi with summer ratatouille, pan fried polenta and balsamic tomatoes, and Slow Roasted Lamb shoulder served with tahini & honey labneh, ancient grain salad and hazelnut dukkah.

Initially in response to the COVID-19 lockdowns, Porters developed an online store in 2020 as a means to keep the restaurant afloat. However, after it’s tremendous success and the ongoing demand for gourmet convenience meals, the team have decided to continue running their ‘Porters At Home’ offering on their website. Available for both pick-up or delivery, Porters’ packs are ideal for those that want to enjoy Porters’ food in the comfort of home; Simply reheat your selected dishes at your own convenience. Zoey Porter also comments that these Porters At Home packs are definitely more cost effective and nutritious than regular takeaway, making them the ideal choice for families with young children or busy professionals who simply don’t have time to cook for themselves. Select from restaurant quality dishes that would be right at home on Porters dine-in menu, such as Grilled Octopus with chorizo, lemon potatoes and smoked paprika aioli, or Moroccan Spiced Chicken and chickpea tagine with green olives, red peppers with almond and raisin couscous.

No upmarket restaurant is complete without a stunning wine list, and Porters does not disappoint. Curated by Raul Morena Yague, previously named Sommelier of the Year in 2018, Porters’ wine list has been awarded 2 Goblets in The Drinks Association’s Australia’s Wine List of the Year Awards for 2 consecutive years. Some stand-outs in their selection include reserve wines, the Penfold ‘RWT’ Barossa Valley Shiraz and Cullen ‘Diana Madeline’ Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot. Many of their wines are also available on their online shop, as well as pre-made cocktail packs.

The ability to successfully adapt is an attestation to Porters’ place as one of the best in the business, however what is truly remarkable is their commitment to continually offer the best to their customers, despite the last year’s challenges. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed, yet impressive dining experience, or simply need to pick up some quick, delicious dishes for dinner tonight, make Porters for your first port of call for quality fare.