MELBOURNE | Dandenong Pavilion is a bistro style restaurant that’s played a big part in changing people’s perceptions about food in Dandenong. With the array of amazing food outlets serving cuisines from around the world, including some of the best Indian and Middle Eastern food in Melbourne, it a reputation that’s not exactly deserved, but stereotypes have a way of sticking. Dandenong Pavillion offers a modern Australian menu, with head chef Terri Tep’s honest food ensuring that the place is always packed with locals. There is, however, more than meets the eye to the menu.
When you arrive, you’re seated, given the menu and told the day’s specials – just like at any other restaurant. As you look around though, it’s hard not to notice all of the amazing looking burgers coming out to the other tables. You look at the menu but they aren’t there. What’s going on? Well there’s a secret burger menu you see, with what was the “Flip City” popup becoming a permanent fixture at Dandenong Pavilion. Ask for the burger menu and out comes a one pager with some mighty fine looking burgers.
The Tsar ($21.50)
I went for the Tsar and let’s just say that the reputation of the burgers here is well deserved. The Tsar contains a nice big beef patty, melted double cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, beetroot, black Russian tomatoes and a pickle, shallot and horseradish sauce. I was scared the burger might be too bread heavy when I saw it come out like this, but the brioche compacted nicely as soon as I grabbed it. The flavours were extremely well balanced and I’d even go so far as saying that this is one of my top 10 burgers in Melbourne.
Lobster Roll ($19.50)
Lauren went for the lobster rolls and was very happy with her choice. You get 2 warm buttered bread rolls filled with a light mix of sautéed lobster, fresh shallots, watercress & a creamy Japanese style mayonnaise. The ingredients are well proportioned and the flavours spot on.
A focused range of drinks, including local wines is on offer.
It might not look much from the outside, but Dandenong Pavilion has been consistently popular with locals for years and for good reason – simple food, friendly staff and a very family friendly, welcoming environment. That might not be enough to get you out here on its own, but once you add the Flip City burgers into the equation, you have all the reason you need.
Dandenong Pavilion
55-61 Princes Highway
Dandenong
Victoria 3175
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9793 2133
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.dpav.com.au/
Open
Mon – Sun: 11:30am to 11:30pm