Knowing
the right place to go to eat out is everything. You go for the taste, the
sounds, the smells, and freshness and in most cases ambience as well. Here’s my
list of the TOP 10 Tables in Melbourne in random order which will certainly not
disappoint….Bon Appetit!!
SPOONBILL RESTAURANT & BAR
CULINARY ESSENCE- Celebrates Australia’s regional produce and the menu
changes seasonally. The menu offers a multi-faceted paddock to plate
experience.
AMBIENCE- Though overall very contemporary the Art collection
and a commissioned art installation of a crafted wooden hood exudes a bucolic
feel. All in all, the ambience salutes seasonal fare offering a delightful
harmony between traditional and modern appeal.
USP- At its core, the restaurant is dedicated to mindful
consumption, a self-coined approach to cooking that honours ingredients and
preparing food with integrity, rather than focusing exclusively on a specific
style of cuisine. John Olsen champions the emerging dining scene globally by
supporting local farms and markets, ensuring clients are receiving the best
quality.
LIP SMACKING- Pancakes, Eggs Benedict, John Olsen’s famous
‘Paella’, Mini Burger with a filling of Wagyu beef mince, aged cheddar cornichons,
onion relish & mustard mayo, Freshly picked ‘Zucchini flowers’ with a
filling of goat cheese, honey and mint lemon guacamole, Seafood of the day, Hot
lemon fritters with honeycomb ice-cream and finest and freshest selection of
cheese.
FAST FACTS
The Olsen Hotel, 637-641 Chapel Street, South Yarra 3141, Melbourne
Landline Number: +61 (3) 9040 1333
Timings: Open from 6:30 Am until 12:30 Am
FENIX
CULINARY ESSENCE- A gorgeous blend with nature at its best, Chef Gary
offers a sumptuous and sensual cuisine enhanced by excellent quality products
and stylish presentation.
AMBIENCE- It happens to be quite the draw for those wishing to
find natural landscape backdrop to proceedings as it sits charmingly
overlooking the magnificent Yarra River. With floor-to-ceiling windows framing
the local area, river and the wildlife, this dining venue is of a smart casual
environment without being presumptuous or over decorative.
USP- Brainchild of renowned Chef and owner Gary Mehigan
(read Master Chef Australia).
LIP SMACKING- Marinated ‘mount zero’ olives with dukkah (spice), Autumn
mushroom ‘pancake’ with fiore di burrata, green harissa & sesame yoghurt, Roasted chicken flavoured with lemon sage
& garlic served with confit baby carrots & toasted wheat, Braised
ricotta gnocchi, gorgonzola, peas & parmesan crumbs, Mango &
caramelized macadamia ‘Bombe Alaska’.
FAST FACTS
680 Victoria Street, Richmond, Melbourne VIC 3121.
Landline Number: +61 (3) 9427 8500
Timings: Open for Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
VUE DE MONDE
CULINARY ESSENCE- pays homage to classical fine dining in a
sophisticated modern context. With such great lengths taken to present the best
of modern innovative cuisine, guests can expect nothing but the best cuisine
out here. One can either opt from an a la carte menu or go the whole hog with a
ten course degustation menu.
AMBIENCE- It is obvious that nothing is compromised here, from
carefully engineered dishes, to impeccable service, the ambience is extremely Modern,
and it definitely is a cut above the rest. Needless to add that being here is
reason enough; soaking in the matchless city views while enjoying a selection
of viands below reproach. And yes…the wine cellar is excellent!
USP- Flamboyance is not just limited to the display
kitchen; Shannon Bennett has created magic with ingredients. The contrasts
between luxurious and rustic, raw and cooked products, hot and cold,
sophisticated and simple create an ecstasy for the senses.
LIP SMACKING- Melbourne onion soup, ‘Barramundi’ with nettle,
young garlic prawn and lettuce, ‘Flinders Island lamb’ with olive, Australian
anchovies and mustard, ‘Blackmore Wagyu’
with beetroot, salt bush, BBq sauce and truffle and the decadent ‘chocolate
soufflé’ with chocolate mousse and crème Anglaise which the chef says he simply
whipped up with the help of his ‘KitchenAid’ machine.
FAST FACTS
Level 55 Rialto, 55 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Landline Number: +61 (3) 9691 3888
Timings: Open for lunch and Dinner.
GROSSI-CELLAR BAR
CULINARY ESSENCE- In keeping with the spirit of Italian cooking,
everything is fresh and the flavours are kept simple so they balance each
other.
AMBIENCE- The decor, the ambience and the service all reflect
the warmth and care that one would expect when dining in a warm and friendly
Italian home. It is the epicentre of Melbourne’s café society.
USP- Sometimes, simplicity can be the hardest thing.
Celebrity Chef Guy Grossi takes on an emotional approach to cooking. He almost
takes it as a responsibility and enjoys watching people eat and enjoy their
wine and coffee.
LIP SMACKING- To whet appetites, a platter of ‘Antipasto misto’
which includes a variety of Italian aged hams, salami and other cured meats
with Italian vegetables and nuts, cheese and honey sets the right mood. The
selection of risotto and soup is a must try. Pasta is made fresh every day to
guarantee the best quality. All in all I would say Italian Fare that would
surely impress even Mama Guy Grossi!
FAST FACTS
80 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Landline Number: +61 (3) 9662-1811
Timings: Open from 7-30 Am until late, Monday to Saturday.
Closed on 10th June owing to the Queen’s Birthday!
GAZI
CULINARY ESSENCE- George Columbaris of Master Chef Fame has
transformed the main part of Press club into a low key Greek street food eatery
and he does it damn well.
AMBIENCE- Situated in a beautiful heritage building, this
Greek grill room with hanging clay pots is the talk of the town since it opened
its doors very recently; a highlight is also the open kitchen.
USP- For epicureans, this is a restaurant not to be missed
and for those new to Greek street food, there is no better introduction.
LIP SMACKING- Try the
superlative ten dish feed me menu, it’s gorgeous. The Mezze, mini souvlakis,
lamb ribs with trimmings are to die for! Steel yourself for that powerhouse
Ouzo and save a little room for the baklavas- filo pastry with walnut filling
dripping with Greek Honey.
FAST FACTS
2 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Landline Number: +61 (3) 9207 74444
Timings: Open for lunch and dinner
CHIN CHIN
CULINARY ESSENCE- Modern Thai Diner, main focus being Thai with some
Vietnamese tendencies creeping into some dishes on the menu.
AMBIENCE- Quite chic and trendy eatery, the long bar takes up
one entire side of the restaurant and has smart hanging lights, and its top
fabricated with Corian, serving the finest beverages. Usually very full so one
can have a drink at the ground level before gorging in on the food served
upstairs.
USP- Expect a menu that brings a refinement and delicacy
to South East Asian dining.
LIP SMACKING- You can either opt for the ‘Feed me ‘ option where
you’d be served a selection of Chin Chin’s favourite dishes or can go the a la
carte route. Recommendations go all out for the homemade crab & pork cakes,
wok fried salt & pepper squid, Tom yum, Morning glory wok tossed with
Siamese water cress with yellow bean & chilli, the Thai take on the butter
chicken and palm sugar ice-cream sundae.
FAST FACTS
125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Landline Number: +61 (3) 8663 2000
Timings: Open for lunch and dinner
SPICE TEMPLE
CULINARY ESSENCE- The restaurant scores tops on its Chinese cuisine
and is a joy to discover for jaded taste buds
AMBIENCE- upscale, incorporating a warm sophisticated
atmosphere highlighted by a transition from minimalistic to plush as one walk
downs the long waiting alley. By day it is fresh and washed with subtle
sunlight and a spectacular view of the bustling quay. At night it is romantic,
quaint and dotted with lights and infused with the subtle aroma from lemon
grass.
USP- This Neil Perry menu is seasoned with an unmistakable
Chinese flavour and the unique and truly special dishes are driven by his long
fostered passion for Asian Cuisine.
LIP SMACKING- Spinach and sesame salad, Handmade yellow noodles with
wagyu braised brisket, chilli & Sichuan pepper, Hot and numbing crispy
duck, Hot pot of wild Chinese mushrooms
and chilli made Yunnan style, Kung Pao Chicken, Twice cooked pork belly with
leeks and Sichuan black bean, Three milk cake with pomegranate and pistachio
and Black sesame Panacotta.
FAST FACTS
Crown Complex, Southbank Melbourne VIC 3006
Landline Number: +61 (3) 8679 1888
Timings: Open for lunch and dinner
RADII
CULINARY ESSENCE- Focus is on creatively presented cuisine, inspired
by the freshest local produce and seasonal ingredients and the Park Hyatt flair
AMBIENCE- Set over five levels, the décor is cosy and opulent;
the buzz from the bar and kitchen naturally spreads to the restaurant creating
the perfect setting to relax, indulging in anything from a hearty breakfast,
lunch, afternoon tea, a favourite cocktail or a romantic dinner.
USP- Executive Chef Dane Clouston proposes regional
products or rare dishes exuding pure flavours reminding us that talent can go
hand in hand with simplicity.
LIP SMACKING- Roma tomato tartare with house smoked goats curd and
organic quinoa salad, Twice cooked ocean trout with potato soufflé, courgette,
vanilla salsa and crème fraiche, Kangaroo tenderloin with quince puree,
beetroot cream, Brussels sprouts and sauterne jus, Market fish of the day
cooked to your style and Pistachio crème Brulee with compressed apples and
quince salad, pistachio kernels.
FAST FACTS
The Park Hyatt, 1 Parliament square, Melbourne VIC 3006
Landline Number: +61 (3) 39224 1234
Timings: Open for lunch and dinner. Mondays closed.
NO 35
CULINARY ESSENCE- The impression this cuisine brings is one of
regularity, creativity and meticulousness which combines tradition, quality and
innovation. Fresh and Organic is the chef’s mantra.
AMBIENCE- This elegant restaurant sits on the 35th
Floor of the Sofitel and comes alive for a matchless view of the bustling city
through door to ceiling glass.
USP- the chef’s original and scientific approaches to
cooking breaks down each dish to best experience the flavours and textures of
the individual ingredients in their freshest form and redefine the context of
the dining experience following his unique vision.
LIP SMACKING- Salad of beetroot, root vegetables, local goats curd
& roasted hazelnuts, Slow cooked pork belly with caramelised skate wing,
onion puree & puffed rice, Cured Salmon Risotto with horseradish, nettles
and crème fraiche, Lamb shoulder with eggplant and aged balsamic, Wild
Barramundi with parsnip, Brussels sprouts & pig trotter, Risotto with white
onions & thyme, honey sherry vinegar & king brown mushrooms, Chocolate
hazelnut pear.
FAST FACTS
Level 35, Sofitel on Collins, 25 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Landline Number: +61 (3) 9653 7744
Timings: Open for lunch and dinner.
HUTONG DUMPLING BAR
CULINARY ESSENCE- Traditional, authentic Hunan and Sichuan dishes are
presented with remarkable refinement and undoubtedly the best dumplings in
Melbourne.
AMBIENCE- Has a unique combination of glamour and elegance,
modern yet ethnic decor, a typical ambience which relates to the characteristic
boisterous and nosy chatter as at many Chinese restaurants. It is advisable to
make reservations for any meal!
USP- Dim sums here are a good representation of the quality
that the open kitchen keeps. The strength of this restaurant lies in the
consistency of the Chef’s genius.
LIP SMACKING- The shredded turnip pastry is a true delight to any
pastry lover. It has the lightest and airiest of puff pastry sweetened with
toasted sesame seeds, Wantons with hot chilli sauce, Pan fried dumplings, Hot
and Sour soup, Dry chicken in Hot chilli, Spring onion pancake, Duck meat
dumplings, Salted braised pork in New style, Stir fried Barramundi, Noodles
with shredded pork and shanghai pickles in soup, Steamed Egg custard, and
chestnut pudding.
FAST FACTS
14-16 Market Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Landline Number: +61 (3) 9650 8128
Timings: Open for lunch and dinner.
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