Victoria Police have arrested one man and are hunting three others over the brutal mugging of a man in South Yarra early on Monday morning.

The alleged assault and theft occurred on Chapel Street about 4.20am on September 23, when a 29-year-old victim from Ormond was repeatedly punched, kicked and slapped by four men of African appearance.

The victim's mobile phone and wallet were stolen during the cowardly attack that lasted almost four minutes.

He was taken to The Alfred hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening facial injuries.