Crown is turning into a destination for more Melburnians, according to Toddy Shop owner-chef Mischa Tropp, who’s contributing to the casino’s evolution with the opening last week of Kolkata Cricket Club, a 160-seat Indian restaurant and sports bar.

“The more venues that feel individual [at Crown] … the better,” says Tropp.

It’s a sentiment echoed by DJ-turned-restaurateur Grant Smillie, who’s set to unveil California-inspired riverside bar Marmont in the former Rosetta site on December 18.

“We just want to create new interest – and a new injection of energy – for the precinct,” says Smillie, hinting that there is more change to come. “We’re the tip of the iceberg.”

Here’s what you need to know about Crown Melbourne’s two new arrivals.

Kolkata Cricket Club

On level one, where San Antone by Bludso’s BBQ once was, this cricket-themed venue offers two distinct experiences. “It’s about giving people different reasons to come in,” says Tropp.

You enter through the laidback Sporting Bar, channelling the gymkhanas (sports clubs) of Kolkata. The idea is to perch at the rattan bar and watch cricket with a pint of house lager made in collaboration with Pirate Life, and snacks including beer-battered chips with curry sauce (a menu addition that’s coming soon).

Two charcoal tandoors and a wood hearth take pride of place, servicing both the bar and the adjoining KCC Dining Room. A more buttoned-up space for feasting, the 80-seater’s walls are lined with black-and-white photos of former Indian cricketers.

While Tropp describes the menu as “pan-Indian”, Bengali dishes and influences star. “They’re not necessarily things people have had before, but they’re bloody delicious.”

He’s particularly excited about the mach posto, whole barramundi cooked in the tandoor and served with a rich curry of white poppy seeds and onions, and cheena badam bhindi, a dish of wood-fired okra with spiced peanuts. And of course, Tropp will be serving butter chicken, a recipe he’s been perfecting for years. “This is by far the best version,” he says.

The wine list includes a selection of Indian producers in Australia, such as Red Hill’s Avani.

Open Wed-Thu & Sun 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10pm

Level 1, Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, kolkatacricketclub.com

Marmont

Passersby on Southbank can’t miss the 200-seat Marmont. It’s smack-bang on the river, with massive windows that open up to the promenade. Little is left of Italian fine-diner Rosetta, says Smillie. Its replacement has an al fresco vibe reminiscent of E.P. & L.P. and Grandmaster Records, the hotspots that Melbourne native Smillie runs in Los Angeles.

There’s a real all-day play here. Marmont is as much a spot for a speedy burger and beer at lunch as it is for sunset spritzes and snacks on the plucked-from-Palm-Springs patio. Boisterous Friday nights are soundtracked by some of the country’s top selectors.

What’s in your glass will likely be agave-based, including a pink-tinged but not-too-sweet margarita, and a mix of tequila, Campari and grapefruit juice called Hollywood Nights (which speaks to the 20-metre Jeffrey Phillips mural that depicts a glam Oscars ceremony).

The menu is the work of chef Mark Tagnipez, who was born and raised in LA but has worked at Supernormal and Fonda. Sydney rock oysters come with a “happy-accident” mignonette that uses pico de gallo wastage; Skull Island prawns are slathered in Calabrian-chilli butter; and pretzels with Old Bay-seasoned mud crab are a two-bite winner.

Open daily noon-late from Wednesday, December 18

Crown Riverwalk, Crown Melbourne, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, instagram.com/marmontbar