Nikki To
REVIEW
Crisp and refreshing, with a thrillingly sour backbeat, the hot and sour shredded potato at Lagoon Dining should be awarded some kind of medal for services to Australian tastebuds. Many would award similar gongs to the superb, juicy-sweet char siu pork with spring onion relish; the salted fish fried rice tossed with morning glory and scud chilli, or the criminally addictive sticky lamb ribs. There might also be an award for “most surprising location” given that this good-looking modern pan-Asian diner with its white-washed walls, black granite bar and mustard yellow curtains is found in the heart of Melbourne’s Little Italy. Still, it feels at home, helped along by a concise drinks list that displays equal care to cocktails (check out the oft-changing house Spritz) and wines from here and there that successfully negotiate the menu’s kuzu, curry powder, doubanjiang and Sichuan pepper seasonings. It’s very much right place, right time.
ABOUT
Lagoon Dining
Asian
263 Lygon St, Carlton
0447 525 573
Chef Keat Lee
Price guide $
Bookings Recommended
Wheelchair access Yes
Open Lunch Thu-Fri & Sun; Dinner Wed-Sun
This review was written independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way. To learn more about the process, head over here.
Gourmet Traveller Annual Restaurant Guide
Our guide gives a yearly snapshot of the best restaurants to eat at right now. The best-rated restaurants, as judged by the reviewers’ first-hand experience, form our national guide.
