Basq Essendon Fields

Pro

Capacity: 200 guestsPricing: From $70 per personCategory: VenuesLocation: 305 Wirraway Rd, Essendon Fields VIC 3041

Highlights

Three event spaces, from a 35-seat private dining room to Fireside for 200
Canapé events from $70 per person, set menus from $75 per person
Private spaces carry no hire charge – the set menu covers it

About Basq Essendon Fields

Basq is a restaurant, bar and grill on Wirraway Road in the Essendon Fields precinct, run by owners Tijen and head chef Jaysen Veerapen. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the kitchen is built around a fire-led grill and premium Australian beef, from grain-finished Angus to dry-aged striploin and high-marble Wagyu, alongside seafood, pasta and plated desserts. The building is timber-clad inside and out, and there is ample parking for function guests. There are three event spaces. The Conservatory is a light-filled private dining room that seats up to 35 or holds 50 standing, opens onto the terrace and has a smart TV for presentations. The Terrace is an indoor-outdoor area for 30 to 40 seated or up to 80 at a cocktail party, with room for live music or a DJ. Fireside, the main room, seats 80 to 120 or holds up to 200 standing, and half of it can be booked as a semi-private area for a smaller group. Exclusive use of the whole restaurant is possible on request, though a venue closure fee may apply. Functions run in three-hour blocks, and there is no room hire fee for the private spaces – instead you choose a set menu, which covers the minimum spend. The two-course menu is $75 per person and three courses are $95 per person, with shared entrées, a choice of mains and an optional steak upgrade. Cocktail events use a $70 per person canapé menu, with grazing boards and dessert boards as add-ons. Drinks can be a tailored package, a capped bar tab, on consumption or a mix. A 5% deposit secures the date.

Inclusions & amenities

Venue type

RestaurantBar

Budget

$$ (Average)

Food & drinks

Catering AvailableDrink PackagesBar TabPay-As-You-Go Drinks

Features

Cocktail/StandingBanquet/Sit-DownPrivate SpaceIndoorOutdoorExclusive Venue Hire

Facilities

TV/Presentation FacilitiesDJ Friendly

Pricing

Private spaces have no separate hire charge. The Conservatory private dining room has a $2,000 minimum spend on food and drinks. Set menus are $75 per person for two courses and $95 per person for three (minimum 15 guests), with a $15 per person steak upgrade. Canapés for stand-up events are $70 per person. Bookings are secured with a 5% deposit, and a 10% surcharge applies on Sundays. Cakeage is $3 per person.

Food

Seated functions start with shared entrées such as tabasco chicken ribs, spring rolls, polenta chips and kaffir lime calamari, then a choice of sous-vide chicken, pumpkin gnocchi or barramundi, with a porterhouse upgrade available; the three-course menu adds dessert. Groups of 25 or more choose two mains served alternately. The canapé menu includes arancini, beef sliders, lamb kofte, prawn tails, spring rolls, cauliflower bites and halloumi, with cheese, charcuterie, dip, fruit and dessert boards to add. Halal, vegetarian and gluten-friendly dishes are marked, and dietaries are confirmed a week out.

Beverages

Drinks can be a tailored beverage package, a bar tab with a set limit, on consumption, or a combination. A welcome drink on arrival can be added. The bar pours signature cocktails and a list of Australian and imported wines.

Availability

Email the team with your date, numbers and event type and they will recommend a space and package; venue tours can be arranged. Final numbers, dietaries and payment are due a week before the event.

Frequently asked questions

Which space suits our group size?

The Conservatory takes up to 35 seated or 50 standing, the Terrace 30 to 40 seated or 80 standing, and Fireside 80 to 120 seated or up to 200 for a cocktail event. Half of Fireside can be booked for a smaller semi-private group.

Is there a room hire fee or minimum spend?

Private spaces have no hire charge; choosing one of the set menus covers the minimum spend. The Conservatory private dining room carries a $2,000 minimum spend, which can be food and drinks. Exclusive use of the whole venue may attract a venue closure fee.

How much are the function menus?

Set menus are $75 per person for two courses and $95 per person for three, with a minimum of 15 guests, and a porterhouse upgrade adds $15 per person. The canapé menu for stand-up events is $70 per person.

How long is a function and what deposit is needed?

Functions are booked in three-hour blocks, with extra time possible for an additional fee. A 5% deposit secures the booking and comes off the final bill, which is paid in full a week before the event along with final numbers and dietaries.

Can we decorate the room or bring a cake?

Yes, you can style the space, but balloons inside must be weighted and covered, none are allowed outside, and candles or open flames are not permitted. Cakeage is $3 per person.

Where we are

Suitable occasions

Birthday Party Christmas Party Corporate Event Engagement Party

Reviews

See all reviews for Basq Essendon Fields on Google

Tony & Melissa Baratta

3 months ago

We were told about Basq and heard great things. So I had to check it out. What an amazing experience, the atmosphere was so cosy, relaxed and warm. The food was amazing, we had the Blue Crab spaghetti and Margerita Pi…

Stella Solomon

3 months ago

Lovely, intimate, cosy spot. Staff and manager were amazing and attentive. Attended for a work team celebration. Definitely would recommend, even for a function celebration if they cater to these types of events. Food w…

Pluto has_none

3 months ago

I’ve been here a few times now, and have had amazing experiences every time. The food is divine, the servers are amazing, and the front of house was so accomodating. So happy to find a good quality restaurant with halal…

Danny Richardson

5 months ago

The service was 10 out of 10! Food was amazing, the eye fillet was delicious and juicy, medium rare as I asked! The cocktails were another level and definitely the Peach 🍑 is a must try.

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