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True South Black Rock - True South, Black Rock, AU-VIC

True South

4.5
4.5
819 Reviews
$40 and under
Gastro Pub
298 Beach Rd, Black Rock, AU-VIC 3193

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 16 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for groups
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
Located in the picturesque bayside suburb of Black Rock, True South holds prime position as the areas best and biggest Restaurant, Bar & Function Space.

Once used as an auto repair shop, this modern gastro pub has undergone a colossal renovation, keeping the original facade, but completely stripping back the inside to create the incredible space it is today. The talented chefs at True South offer a modern Argentinean menu, served in the newly converted setting.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $40 and under
  • Cuisines
    Gastro Pub, Argentinean, Latin / Spanish
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–11:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (03) 9589 3194
  • Website
    http://www.truesouth.com.au/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Shannon Grigg
  • Catering
    Try our delicious Argentinean styled food. We offer both large and small tapas plates, designed to share, creating a communal dining experience you can enjoy with friends and keep food envy at bay! ​Ta
  • Private party facilities
    True South offers a variety of spaces, the feature being the upstairs Bay View Room which offers stunning views of Port Phillip Bay, has exposed ceilings and a soft industrial style finish. Our Private Dining room is perfect for cocktail styled events or sit down dinners. True South caters for Weddings, Celebrations, Birthdays and more.
  • Location
    298 Beach Rd, Black Rock, AU-VIC 3193
  • Neighborhood
    Black Rock
  • Cross street
    Near the corner of Balcombe Road
  • Parking details
    There is a public carpark out the back of True South. This can be accessed via Beach Road (you turn down the small lane next to the bike shop) or Ebden Ave (you turn off Balcombe Road). Another small public carpark is on Balcombe Road itself (opposite Ebden Ave) and there is all day street parking in Ebden Ave itself.
  • Public transit
    The 825 Moorabbin and 600 Southland buses stop on Balcombe Road/Ebden Ave, a 1-2 minute walk from True South.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • $30 Barra-Monday

    Multiple dates available
    Mondays just got a whole lot better with our $30 Barramundi Special! Your choice of grilled or battered barramundi fillet with chips, house salad & tartare. Included house beverage. Available all day!
    $30 Barra-Monday Photo

  • Tuesday Trivia Night 2025

    Multiple dates available
    Join us for weekly Trivia every Tuesday at 7pm! FREE entry and great prizes to be won. Hosted upstairs in our Bay View Room it is the perfect night out. PLUS enjoy our $30 Steak Night special
    Tuesday Trivia Night 2025 Photo

  • $30 Steak Special

    Multiple dates available
    Enjoy our $30 Steak Special every Thursday, all day! Porterhouse steak, chips, salad, chimichurri and your choice from our selection of house wine or Carlton Draught 🔥🍴
    $30 Steak Special Photo

Menu

True South's menu was last updated 2025-03-12.

Platos Pequeños

Small Dishes

  • Pan de ChapataA$10.00

    garlic & rosemary flatbread, creamy French onion dip (v)

    • AceitunasA$9.00

      mt zero olives, lemon, thyme, garlic marinade (ve)

      • ChipasA$18.00

        baked mozzarella & arrowroot cheese puffs (gf, v)

        • Fritas y Salsa GolfA$14.00

          hot chips, smokey tomato mayonnaise (v, veo)

          • CroquetasA$16.00

            croquettes of the day, house aioli

            • Provoleta de Tomatillo Pico de GalloA$25.00

              melted provolone cheese, tomatillo salsa, warm ciabatta (v, gfo)

              • Taco de KingfishA$24.00

                raw kingfish, squid ink miso mayo, avocado, jalapeños, sesame salt, coriander (2 per serve) (df)

                • extra tacoA$12.00

              • Snapper CevicheA$28.00

                tiger’s milk, coconut, coriander, cucumber, sweet potato (gf, df)

                • Empanada de CarneA$13.50

                  traditional spiced beef, olive house relish

                  • Humita EmpanadaA$13.50

                    corn & cheddar, chimichurri (ve, df, n)

                    • Deslizadores de CerdoA$19.00

                      mini hoak sliders, iceberg, yucatan onion, aji amarillo mayo (2 per serve)

                      • extra sliderA$9.50

                    • Chorizo CriolloA$20.00

                      spicy pork & beef sausage, roasted red peppers, chimichurri (gf, df)

                      Platos Grandes

                      Large Dishes

                      • Verduras Asados y QuinoaA$27.00

                        char grilled seasonal vegetables, quinoa, spiced pistachios, smoked yoghurt (v, veo, gf, n)

                        • Ensalada de Arroz y FrijolesA$21.00

                          white rice pilaf, black beans, charred corn, avocado mousse, salsa criolla (df, ve) + add garlic & chilli prawns (df)

                          • add garlic & chilli prawnsA$15.00

                        • Calamares FritosA$32.00

                          lightly floured & fried loligo calamari, lime aioli, rocket (df)

                          • Seafood JaleaA$34.00

                            tempura battered rockling, mussels, prawn cutlets, cassava chips, pickled vegetables, kewpie mayo, lime (df)

                            • Pescado del Dia

                              please see our daily specials for fresh fish of the day

                              • Pollo a la ParrillaA$38.00

                                half grilled chicken, sofrito jus, couscous & cauliflower salad (df)

                                • Bistec de Filete EscocesA$58.00

                                  300g scotch fillet, chimichurri, malbec jus (gf) + add garlic & bonemarrow butter (gf)

                                  • add garlic & bonemarrow butterA$3.00

                                • Bistec de SolomilloA$48.00

                                  300g porterhouse, chimichurri, malbec jus (gf) + add garlic & bonemarrow butter (gf)

                                  • add garlic & bonemarrow butterA$3.00

                                • Costillar de CorderoA$69.00

                                  500g slow roasted lamb shoulder, turnip purée, chimichurri (gf, df)

                                  Acompañantes

                                  Sides

                                  • Ensalada MixtaA$16.00

                                    mixed leaves, mustard dressing, apple, walnuts, seeds & salted ricotta (gf, dfo, n)

                                    • Zanahorias Asadas al CarbonA$16.00

                                      charred carrots, candied peanuts, chilli, maple, mint, coriander (v, veo, n)

                                      • Papas BravasA$14.00

                                        fried potatoes, giardiniera sauce, aioli, paprika (v, veo, df)

                                        • Broccolini a la ParrillaA$16.00

                                          grilled broccolini, Persian feta, roasted almonds, lemon (gf, v, ve, n)

                                          Postres

                                          Something Sweet

                                          • ChurrosA$10.00

                                            cinnamon doughnuts, dulce de leche (v)

                                            • Crema CatalanaA$16.00

                                              Spanish style crème brûlée, zabaione ice cream (gf, v)

                                              • Fondant de Chocolate y HeladoA$16.00

                                                dark chocolate lava cake, raspberry gelato (v)

                                                Uncategorised

                                                • Lechon al Horno

                                                  Roasted Suckling Pig

                                                  • 1/4 Pig (Serves 2-4)A$200.00
                                                  • 1/2 Pig (Serves 4-6)A$400.00

                                                Last updated: March 12, 2025

                                                What 819 people are saying

                                                True South reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                Overall ratings and reviews

                                                Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                4.5
                                                4.5 based on recent ratings
                                                • 4.5Food
                                                • 4.3Service
                                                • 4.3Ambience
                                                • 4.2Value

                                                Noise • Energetic

                                                Loved For

                                                • Bayside

                                                  Best Overall

                                                • Bayside

                                                  Best Food

                                                • Bayside

                                                  Best Service

                                                • Bayside

                                                  Best Ambiance

                                                • Bayside

                                                  Good for groups

                                                • Bayside

                                                  Great for creative cocktails

                                                • Bayside

                                                  Healthy

                                                • Bayside

                                                  Neighborhood gem

                                                • Bayside

                                                  Good for special occasions

                                                • Bayside

                                                  Lively

                                                • Bayside

                                                  Most Booked

                                                Review summary

                                                AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                True South offers a lively atmosphere with "amazing beer options" and a "great vibe." Diners appreciate the "fabulous shared plates" and tapas-style menu, though noise levels and service can vary. Many highlight the "great service" and "excellent quality" of food. Ideal for casual dinners, big groups, and beer enthusiasts.

                                                819 Reviews

                                                1. Lynn

                                                  Melbourne1 review

                                                  4.0

                                                  Dined 7 days ago

                                                  1. Overall 4
                                                  2. Food 5
                                                  3. Service 3
                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                  Food was really delicious. Service was slow in that dishes were not removed, & we had to wave to staff several times for attention.

                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                2. Justyna

                                                  Melbourne17 reviews

                                                  5.0

                                                  Dined on April 17, 2025

                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                  2. Food 5
                                                  3. Service 5
                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                  Delicious steak and great price, highly recommend the steak special on Thursday night

                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                3. Sharon

                                                  New York City5 reviews

                                                  5.0

                                                  Dined on April 15, 2025

                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                  2. Food 4
                                                  3. Service 4
                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                  Great local gem. Good food, great service and even better value. Highly recommend!!

                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                4. Ingrid

                                                  Victoria4 reviews

                                                  5.0

                                                  Dined on April 3, 2025

                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                  2. Food 5
                                                  3. Service 5
                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                  I had the fish special which came with gnocchi. I am usually a harsh critic when it comes to gnocchi but this was amazing! Staff were attentive and friendly.

                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                5. Leigh

                                                  Victoria4 reviews

                                                  3.0

                                                  Dined on March 26, 2025

                                                  1. Overall 3
                                                  2. Food 2
                                                  3. Service 4
                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                  We’ve been to True South in the past and enjoyed delicious meals. Our last visit was a little disappointing food wise.

                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                6. Jonathan

                                                  Melbourne1 review

                                                  4.0

                                                  Dined on March 13, 2025

                                                  1. Overall 4
                                                  2. Food 3
                                                  3. Service 4
                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                  Only feedback was we ordered two steaks one medium rare and one medium. Medium rare was cooked to be perfection!! Unfortunately the medium was past well done, dry and unedible. Overall we enjoyed our visit but wouldn’t order the steak again. Thanks

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                                                7. Justyna

                                                  Melbourne17 reviews

                                                  5.0

                                                  Dined on March 6, 2025

                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                  2. Food 5
                                                  3. Service 5
                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                  Went to the $30 steak night on Thursday. Absolutely spectacular- delicious food and great value for money. Definitely will be coming back.

                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                8. Juan

                                                  Melbourne1 review

                                                  4.0

                                                  Dined on March 3, 2025

                                                  1. Overall 4
                                                  2. Food 4
                                                  3. Service 5
                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                  The easy-going tapas style menu was a hit with us. While there is a variety of tasty mains to choose from, we preferred to graze on the excellent selection of share plates available. I strongly recommend exploring all the starters. Noise is a problem if you're sitting inside. The lack of soft surfaces creates a cacophony of echoes within this space that unfortunately prevents enjoyment of conversation. At times, it was difficult to hear the person sitting next you speak. Service wise, the experience was faultless. We were lucky to have a very attentive, jovial and equally efficient person looking after us.

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                                                9. OpenTable Diner

                                                  Tropical QLD2 reviews

                                                  5.0

                                                  Dined on March 2, 2025

                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                  2. Food 5
                                                  3. Service 5
                                                  4. Ambience 5
                                                  Great place for Sunday afternoon drink and beautiful diner, love True South

                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                10. Tina

                                                  Melbourne3 reviews

                                                  5.0

                                                  Dined on March 1, 2025

                                                  1. Overall 5
                                                  2. Food 5
                                                  3. Service 4
                                                  4. Ambience 4
                                                  Great food in a busy environment. My daughter and I had a lovely dinner. I love Tapas and they dont disappoint. Highly recommend this place for a high quality meal. Presentation also excellent.

                                                  Is this helpful?

                                                FAQs

                                                True South offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (03) 9589 3194.

                                                True South is rated 4.5 stars by 819 OpenTable diners.

                                                Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                1. Home
                                                2. Australia
                                                3. Melbourne
                                                4. Bayside
                                                5. Black Rock

                                                Make a reservation

                                                2 people
                                                7:00 PM
                                                Booked 16 times today
                                                Experiences are available.
                                                Google Map for True South

                                                298 Beach Rd, Black Rock, AU-VIC 3193

                                                Dining areas

                                                Additional information

                                                • Cross street
                                                  Near the corner of Balcombe Road
                                                • Neighborhood
                                                  Black Rock
                                                • Hours of operation
                                                  Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–11:30 pm
                                                • Price
                                                  $40 and under
                                                • Cuisines
                                                  Gastro Pub, Argentinean, Latin / Spanish
                                                • Dining style
                                                  Casual Dining
                                                • Dress code
                                                  Casual Dress
                                                • Parking details
                                                  There is a public carpark out the back of True South. This can be accessed via Beach Road (you turn down the small lane next to the bike shop) or Ebden Ave (you turn off Balcombe Road). Another small public carpark is on Balcombe Road itself (opposite Ebden Ave) and there is all day street parking in Ebden Ave itself.
                                                • Public transit
                                                  The 825 Moorabbin and 600 Southland buses stop on Balcombe Road/Ebden Ave, a 1-2 minute walk from True South.
                                                • Payment options
                                                  AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
                                                • Executive chef
                                                  Shannon Grigg
                                                • Additional
                                                  Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                • Website
                                                  http://www.truesouth.com.au/
                                                • Phone number
                                                  (03) 9589 3194
                                                • Catering
                                                  Try our delicious Argentinean styled food. We offer both large and small tapas plates, designed to share, creating a communal dining experience you can enjoy with friends and keep food envy at bay! ​Ta
                                                • Private party facilities
                                                  True South offers a variety of spaces, the feature being the upstairs Bay View Room which offers stunning views of Port Phillip Bay, has exposed ceilings and a soft industrial style finish. Our Private Dining room is perfect for cocktail styled events or sit down dinners. True South caters for Weddings, Celebrations, Birthdays and more.
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