It was my big 3-0 and Mr D was frantically looking for a place to take me since I’ve already celebrated my birthday in South Australia and we’ll also be going to Japan (woohoo!! who says I caught the travel bug?). He stumbled upon Matilda 159 which is another little venue owned by Scott Pickett. So I was obvs excited when I heard where Mr D was taking me!

Inside it’s very dim, there’s a bar downstairs for those who get there early and when you’re finally showed to your table you’ll head upstairs. The attentive staff will make sure you’re all comfy. Mr D and I quickly opened our menu (we were defs starving) and put our order through. First up, the ox tongue was so tender and melted in our mouths. Usually I’m not a fan of ox tongue but if I was served this everyday, I’d definitely be a pro-ox tongue person.

Ox tongue, horseradish & sauce gribiche – $10

I was watching other tables and saw the tartlet of salmon roe and of course because I have FOMO I had to order it. I am so glad I did because it was creamy and salty and everything that I dreamed of in a tart. Defs would recommend this.

Tartlet of Salmon Roe, Bonito Cream – $12

I call myself a crab lover and despite being allergic to seafood (good ol’ antihistamine) I could not resist the spanner crab. I don’t regret getting the spanner crab because IT IS THE BOMB! Served with prawn butter (hello allergic reaction) and flat bread, it was definitely worth getting. Buttery, smooth, creamy and fresh, DAMN SON! I’d love to have this over and over again.

Dressed Spanner Crab, Prawn Butter, Flat Bread – $34

Growing up I hate fish as a kid but as soon as I moved out, I cannot resist any fish dish at any restaurant I go to. The NT baby barrumundi was cooked so perfectly with no fishy taste and the good ol’ Aussie taste, it did not disappoint. For $44 a pop, it was quite exy.

Northern Territory Baby Barrumundi, Native Grenbloise – $44

Mr D is a meaty kinda man and if he didn’t order the porterhouse, I’d question the man I was with. This was cooked TOTES AMAZEBALLS well and holy moly it was soft, tender and frigging bursting with flavour.

21 Day Dry Age Cape Grim Porterhouse, 300gm, Macadamia Romesco – $49

I’m a dessert kinda gal and I couldn’t help but notice the sweet aroma of the the pink lady apple tarte tatin. Unfortunately it was very burnt and all I could taste was the burntness. The amount of vanilla bean (I am a vanilla bean fiend) provided did not balance out the amount of the tarte tatin (just a touch more would be nice). Shame the dessert wasn’t outstanding for us.

Pink Lady Apple Tarte Tatin, Smoked Vanilla Bean – $22

Matilda? IT WAS FRIGGING AMAZEBALLS! I would definitely recommend this for a special occasion (who doesn’t love to be spoiled?) or a catch up with your fancy mates. Defs get the spanner crab and the porterhouse and you would definitely go home happy. Matilda, I’ll be waltzing back to you any day now.

Verdict: 🍷🍷🍷🍷
Food: 🍷🍷🍷🍷
Service: 🍷🍷🍷🍷
Value: 🍷🍷🍷🍷

159 Domain Rd, South Yarra VIC 3141
Tel: (03) 9089 6668
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