Seamstress Restaurant Bar - Melbourne CBD

In its relatively short history, Seamstress has evolved as a venue that delivers great food, wine and service. The cuisine is Cantonese with a respect for genuine Asian flavours. The menu is split into a selection of small, medium and large dishes (to share) with a balance that displays care and consideration for a broad spectrum of diners.

With personable confidence, Laurie took command of our food and wine requirements for the entire evening, starting with two glasses of bubbles (Mumm Brut NV and Padthaway Estate Eliza Rose 2004) and a complimentary broth. This was soon followed by Coffin Bay Oysters with Finger Lime and Wild Caught Cuttlefish from the bay (the Seamstress version of Salt & Pepper Squid).

To follow we were introduced to the Reichsrat Von Buhl Riesling 2007 (from the Pfalz, Germany) and Chalmers Fiano 2008 (Euston, New South Wales). ‘Swallowing Clouds’ was selected from the menu to accompany the wine and this consisted of poached Otway pork wontons, seared dollar scallops, coconut and crayfish emulsion sauce and dancing bonito. To the amusement of a passing waitress my dining companion and I peered over this dish in fascination as the dancing bonito performed, seemingly on cue! I discovered that bonito is dried mackerel and it was served finely shaved. As the mackerel absorbed the moisture from the dish it moved (or danced on the plate).

A glass of Auroch Tempranillo 2006 (Toro, Spain) and Yarraloch Cabernets 2005 (Yarra Valley) were presented with the signature dish of twice cooked duck breast, chrysanthemum leaves and toasted Beechworth chestnut praline. The wine pairings with this dish was a refreshing change to the traditional ‘duck and Pinot Noir’ option, and much appreciated.

After an appropriate pause our arm was gently twisted to complete the journey with a shared dish of coconut and vanilla bean pearls with ginger bread wafers. The accompanying wine was a glass each of Darling Park’s Cane-Cut Late Harvest Pinot Gris 2008 (Mornington Peninsula). What a finale to a delightful experience.

It would be fair to say that the whole dining experience was an absolute treat at Seamstress, right down to the impeccable timing of food and wine service (which so often can often be what lets a restaurant down). Thank you to the whole Seamstress team, we will be back.