The NGV Gala has become synonymous with glamour, and creativity, and 2025 was no exception.
Guests were invited to immerse themselves in a world where tradition meets transgression, and beauty meets bravery, with more than 140 groundbreaking designs showcased in this extraordinary exhibition. The evening was a true celebration of art, music, fashion, and food, welcoming 1,400 guests from across the globe for an unforgettable night of elegance and entertainment.
An Evening of Culinary Excellence
The NGV Gala Party ran from 8 PM to 1 AM, with guests enjoying a black-tie affair that featured exceptional food and drink experiences curated by the talented Restaurant Associates team. Our chefs and hospitality professionals delivered a seamless service that reflected the bold and avant-garde spirit of the exhibition.
Two dinners were also hosted simultaneously for 410 guests each, offering a refined dining experience that showcased creativity and precision. The upstairs dinner was catered by the renowned Tedesca Osteria, led by celebrated chef Brigitte Hafner, bringing her signature approach to seasonal and artisanal cuisine to the Gala.
An Inspired Menu
Guests indulged in dishes that balanced artistry with flavour–crisp green mango tofu and edamame rice paper rolls with sweet chili sauce, crumpets with crème fraîche and avruga caviar, and layered pressed lamb and smoked tallow croquettes with garlic yoghurt. Throughout the evening, karaage Hazeldenes chicken with spiced mayo and honey, seasoned fish with vinegar salt and tartare, and delicious sweet treats such as Earl Grey and mango bites, pavlova with finger lime and passionfruit curd, and a chocolate mousse slice with cherry were served.
These dishes flowed seamlessly into the seated courses, crafted by Brigitte from Tedesca Osteria, beginning with Mt Cook Alpine Salmon smoked over pine needles, paired with Tedesca garden leaves, marigold, yuzu, wasabi cream, and Aquna Murray Cod caviar. The main continued the narrative of bold refinement with Great Ocean Duck twice cooked in Sichuan spices, served with pickled oyster mushroom, Port Phillip wakame, sticky rice, and Korean black sauce. The evening concluded on a note of elegant simplicity: strawberries and cream. Every detail from plating to presentation reflected the fusion of style and substance, creating a dining experience as memorable as the exhibition itself.
A Celebration to Remember
The 2025 NGV Gala was more than an event; it was a statement of creativity, collaboration, and excellence. From the breathtaking exhibition to the flawless hospitality and culinary artistry, the evening embodied the spirit of innovation that defines both fashion and fine dining. For our team at Restaurant Associates, it was an honour to contribute to such a landmark occasion, ensuring every guest left with unforgettable memories.
