| Docklands hasn't got a beach to speak of but Beachclub has the most important parts of a seaside holiday sorted anyway, with water views, cocktails and endless nibbles. The decor of this laidback restaurant is designed to put one in the summer spirit (even in the depths of a freezing Melbourne winter) with splashes of bikini-bright colour and resort-chic rattan chairs. While the views out the window are more Melburnian than Balinese, there is plenty of sparkle from the city lights and the bay waters.
The menu is seafood-focused modern Australian, with a liberal sprinkling of zesty Asian flavours. Options might include a hot and sour seafood soup with pork and prawn dumplings; or crispy cured salmon with cod brandade and a lemongrass and chive beurre blanc. Alternatively, the eye keeps returning to the tempting grazing portion of the menu, which features dishes such as warm kalamata olives; or salmon, mint and rosemary skewers floating in gazpacho. During the summer months, diners can ditch the menu entirely and follow the scent of a gourmet barbecue out to the balcony.
Chef: Nigel Woodhead
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