Persimmon - Melbourne - NGV

Name: Persimmon at the National Gallery of Victoria

Address: Ground Level, NGV
180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
8620 2434

Food: ModOz
Average price: Entrée - $14-16, Main - $23-32, Dessert - $14-16.

Complimentary: 5 pieces of bread - brioche, caramelised shallot and pumpkin seed - served warm with lovely salted butter.

olive oil cake, yoghurt sorbet, roasted bananas, chocolate

This was nicer than last time; the cake had a softer crumb and the banana was pureed which I much preferred. Everyone enjoyed it.


Entree: Charcuterie of breasola, coppa & sopressa, grilled ciabatta - $15

S absolutely loved this.

Baby squid, tomato, chilli, red onion salsa - $15

R wished all calamari tasted this good.

Chicken liver, parfait, apples, pears, raisins and capers, toasted brioche - $16

D sang praises of this dish.

Salmon mi cuit, avocado, beetroot, horseradish - $17

L liked this, especially how the salmon was barely cooked/set.

Main: ocean trout , fennel, toasted almonds, orange, aged balsamic and argan oil vinaigrette - $28

L ordered this but R ended up stealing it from him as he couldn't resist it's deliciousness.

Butter nut pumpkin risotto, capers, macadamias, onion, bontazola - $26

Once again this dish is disadvantaged by its previous incarnation. As you might recall, the gnocci version of this dish that I ate previously was so good that it's bound to wind up on my best of 2010 list. Therefore this dish had a lot to live up too, and unfortunately, whilst a great risotto, the flavours and textures don't compare to the gnocci which I feel delivered this combination of flavours best. I wish I hadn't had the gnocci as it does heavily influence my opinion on this dish, but if you haven't had the gnocci then try this.

Sirloin, yorkshire pudding, brussel sprouts, fondant potato - $30

S liked this, it was a little too generous of a serving for her tiny belly, but L benefited from her lack of stomach space.

Barramundi, cauliflower, celery. mushrooms - $27

L and D both enjoyed this dish.

Side: Mixed leaf salad, charddonay vinaigrette - $8.50

L enjoyed this.

Desserts: Peanut butter parfait, caramelised banana, bitter chocolate - $15

This was a blast from the past. Not much has changed which is a good thing as it is still a yummy combination of peanut butter, chocolate and banana that bestows creamy, bitter, sweet and salty flavours - yum. But do wait a few minutes for it to soften so you can enjoy it more.

Apple pannacotta, cinnamon crumble, green apple sorbet, vanilla and cinnamon cloud - $15

I knew I'd be ordering this again as I enjoyed it's fruity lightness last time, and after seeing a few of them going around both D and S ordered them too, suffice to say they loved them also although they were a bit confused about 'which part is the pannacotta'. The apple is crisp and fresh whilst the fluffy vanilla and cinnamon scented cloud balance it's tartness with the lightest touch.

Cost: $277.50 for 4 entrees, 5 mains, 1 side, 4 desserts and 1 glass wine (Yarraloch -$8.50).

Service: Perfect. The service is always flawless - that perfect amount of attentiveness. 

Atmosphere: Lively but very relaxed. The interior is a mixture of black, red and white with a modern minimal feel. There are textures of plastic, steel and leather with one slate wall surrounded by panoramic windows that allowed us to view landscaped Grollo Equiset gardens. There are leather and fabric booths with red leather chairs, or small black veneer tables with Perspex chairs. 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 so you never feel cramped or listened in on. The dark interior helps to frame the gorgeous outside surroundings.

Parking: Limited as car spots are generally taken - although a tram runs along St Kilda rd, and Flinders station is not far down the road. We managed to get a car park a block down the road and there are side streets you might get lucky with. There is also underground gallery parking which is $12 for non-members.

Website:http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/visit/places-to-eat/persimmon

Hours: Daily 11am to 4pm (except Tuesdays).

Would I return: Yes.