Dan Murphy’s and the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival are teaming up to serve a slice of nostalgia with a twist at Dan’s Diner.

Staged over the 10 days of the festival from March 15-24 at Federation Square, this full-service restaurant and bar takes its cue from retro diners. It has an all-star — and all-Dan — culinary line-up, led by Dan Hunter from Brae, Daniel Puskas from Sixpenny, and Daniel Wilson from Yakimono.

The trio will reinvent diner classics with their signature flair, serving up comfort food with a kick while showcasing the finest seasonal Victorian produce.

Diners can expect a medley of flavours, including Daniel Wilson’s fried chicken and buttermilk waffles with togarashi maple syrup, or his wagyu patty melt on sourdough with Bloody Mary-spiced crispy onions. For seafood lovers, Dan Puskas will present a crumbed fish burger with cheddar, lettuce, tartare sauce and eggplant relish. And for those craving comfort food with a twist, Dan Hunter has created crinkle-cut disco fries with eggplant and chicken gravy, jalapeño, mozzarella and basil.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Dan Murphy’s experience without a variety of well-matched beverages.

Dan Docherty from Commis in Collingwood has curated an eclectic array of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages complemented by local wines and beers.

“We’re thrilled about this culinary collaboration between Dan Murphy’s and the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival,” said Agnieszka Pfeiffer-Smith, Dan Murphy’s Managing Director.

“Our visitors will enjoy a unique destination showcasing Victoria’s finest wine, beer, and spirits paired with gourmet delights

“Our founder, Daniel Francis Murphy, was a visionary in pioneering new drinking experiences for Australians. Recognising the significance of good food and wine, he opened The Epicurean restaurant in Prahran in 1970, and the diner honours that chapter of our heritage.

“Dan’s Diner is a fantastic addition to the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival lineup,” said Pat Nourse, Creative Director for the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival.

“We love working on innovative collaborations that celebrate Victoria’s culinary scene while also showcasing the very best Victorian wineries, breweries and distilleries. This partnership with Dan Murphy’s promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for festival-goers, especially if they’re called Dan.”

Dan’s Hour at Dan’s Diner

The ultimate Dan extravaganza – Dan’s Hour – will take place at Dan’s Diner from 4–5pm on Thursday 21 March, Friday 22 March, Saturday 23 March and Sunday 24 March.

The first 20 Dans through the door will receive a complimentary Dan Murphizz cocktail, featuring Melbourne Gin Company’s fine dry gin shaken with Marionette apricot brandy and lemon juice, served long, tall and refreshing over ice with soda.