Persimmon - Melbourne - NGV

Name: Persimmon at the National Gallery of Victoria

Address: Ground Level, NGV
180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Call NGV and follow prompts - 8620 2222

Food: ModOz
Average price: Entree - $16, Main - $24, Dessert - $14.
The chef is listed as Raymond Capaldi, however the head chef is Terry Clark.


We ordered:

Entrees: Tasmanian smoked salmon, creme fraiche, chilled English cucumber - $16


I didn't love this as much as I loved the other salmon, cucumber dish we had last time, but it was still wonderful and bursting with flavour and textures.

Rabbit loin & leg, trompette mushroom & artichoke verrine, salted grapes, Dutch carrots, frisse & chive salad, grilled ciabatta - $16


Ryan and his dad really loved this. Ryan said it was really tasty, he wanted more of it and wished it was his main meal.

Mains: Charred 250g certified black angus scotch fillet, jap pumpkin puree, blue cheese fritter - $29

Doris loved this.

Green pea and mint risotto - $19


The flavours were fantastic however the risotto could have been cooked a little longer as they were chewy and chalky.

Baked Kingfish, capsicum & basil piperade, olive tapenades -$26


Louis liked this - it was also gluten free.

Roast saddle of lamb with pistachio & apricots, pommes boulangere, roast baby onions & peas, us gras - $30


Everyone liked it.

Sides: Mixed lettuce leaves as requested.

Desserts: Griotte cherry clafoutis, Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream $14


Full of gorgeous vanilla, and tart cherries.

Lavender meringues, summer berries, mascarpone sorbet, micro basil - $14


This was lovely, fresh berries bursting against the smooth, creamy mascarpone sorbet and the chewy floral meringues. It was in a strawberry soup I think.

Coconut chiboust, coconut snow, salad of macerated mango & pineapple, lemongrass & mint jellies - $13


This was liked.

Coffee parfait, milk chocolate cloud, bitter chocolate sorbet, coffee granita - $15


This was liked.

St Agar blue, spiced pears, toasted walnut bread - $16


Ryan didn't like the blue cheese (it was too strong for him). The pears were nice however the walnut bread was so thin that it was difficult to smear anything without them breaking apart.
Cost: $292 for 3 entrees, 6 mains, 6 desserts, a side, and a glass of wine.

Service: Fantastic. Some of our guests did not eat gluten and both the staff and chefs were accommodating. The waiters are also quite knowledgeable about the menu, we were also asked if we would like to eat our desserts outside to enjoy the sunshine.


Atmosphere: Good. The window seats are lovely as the booth seating is very comfy and the view of the gardens is really calming. It can get a little noisy when full but the tables are well spaced.


Parking: Limited - a tram runs along St Kilda rd and many would use this rather than chance a parking spot. Saying that we managed to get one a block down the road.

Website: None. There is a small mention on the NGV website.
Hours: Daily 11am to 4pm.

Would I return: Yes - this is my 2nd visit and not my last.