After eighteen years spent shaping some of Melbourne's most recognisable dining rooms, including a long stint front-of-house at France-Soir and time at Bistro Thierry and Stokehouse, Franck Sammut opened Upper Middle in South Melbourne in May 2026 as his first solo venue. It sits within the Eastern Road development, positioned as an everyday neighbourhood spot rather than an occasion restaurant. The menu centres on a baguette and pizza bar, with shorter-style baguettes prepared at Baker In The Rye and finished in-house, alongside pizzas and a brunch offering that leans European. St Ali coffee is served through the morning, making the venue equally suited to a quick coffee on the way to work or a longer lunch on the terrace. Head chef Lakshay Kapoor, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu and previously worked at Bistro Thierry, brings a comfort-focused approach to the kitchen, aiming for food that holds up to being eaten every day rather than the occasional big night out. The fit-out, designed by Melbourne studio In Addition, uses a layered palette of green, timber and stone, softened by vintage French newspaper clippings and a wall of photographs from Sammut's father's old restaurant, La Brasserie. Trading runs seven days from early morning, with extended evening service Thursday to Saturday, giving Upper Middle a role as both a daytime local and an evening drop-in on Eastern Road.