MELBOURNE | Bar Bombay Yacht Club is the new venue from Melbourne restaurateur Jessi Singh. I was recently invited in to take a look and was super keen, being a big fan of all of Jessi’s other ventures.
Housed in the space that was formerly home to Jessi’s wine bar Mrs Singh’s, Bar Bombay is a tongue-in-cheek reference to royal yacht clubs started around the world during the British Raj. It’s also inspired by Jessi’s newfound love of sailing. He lived on a boat for 18 months during lockdown, and learned how to sail.
While elements of Mrs Singh’s remain, namely the long terrazzo bar, excellent wine list, and a number of the dishes, Bar Bombay definitely it’s own thing. It’s a fun restaurant, bright and colourful where ‘sunset never ends’. In the background, a constant stream of 1980s and 1990s pop and dance bangers play.
The menu is inspired by the coastal regions of places like India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Thailand. Playful food that’s Indian at heart, making use of the best local produce and native Australian ingredients. Given the nautical, coastal theme, seafood features prominently.
Oysters with pineapple gin granita caviar provide a zesty, bold taste of what’s to come. Kingfish ceviche with coconut and finger lime is another light, fresh delight. Follow it up with butter chicken pate served with crunchy fenugreek roti crackers, and the indulgent half lobster lathered with Sri Lankan chilli sambal sauce.
For dessert, the classic gulab jamun is always a good idea. The version here is light and wonderfully fragrant.
The drinks has quality options across the range. Hundreds of wines from Australia and abroad, a fridge filled with champagne, and another filled with craft beer. Bar Bombay has a take away license, any you can purchase much of what’s on the bottle and can list to go. Cocktails continue the theme of the food, with a fun, beachy bent. Visit between 4pm and 5pm for $5 mini cocktails.
Bar Bombay Yacht Club
88 Flinders Lane
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9654 6526
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Tue – Sat: 4:00pm to 12:00am