Spice Temple: Restaurant review

A culinary journey through regional China in a sleek, dark modern space with super-smart service set to a soundtrack of moody R&B: it's a formula that worked very well for Neil Perry in Sydney and it works well here, too, in the Melbourne outpost. There's plenty of energy and movement in the cooking: garlic and ginger is smashed through shredded cucumber; calamari is vigorously stir-fried, "typhoon shelter-style", with plenty of chilli, and a signature dish of steamed eggplant is presented with its "three flavours" (minced garlic, coriander and sweet pork) in neat little piles in a bowl before your waiter mixes it all together with a flourish at the table. Given the quality and the setting, there's value here: the majority of wines on the 100-bottle list are under $100, and set menus are generous - the $79 banquet features nine dishes, from succulent radish pickles to caramel chocolate and peanut parfait cutely presented as an upmarket Golden Gaytime.

Phone:
(03) 8679 1888

Website:
https://spicetemplemelbourne.com

Bookings:
Bookings recommended

Features:

• Licensed
• Bar
• Vegetarian-friendly
• Wheelchair Access
• Impressive Wine List

Accepted card types:

• American Express
• Diners Club
• Eftpos
• MasterCard
• Visa

Chef(s):
Graeme Hunt & Neil Perry

This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide's reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.