MELBOURNE | Walk into Decca, the new restaurant from chef Adam D’Sylva, that I was recently invited to, and it’s clear that this is a place that’s designed for locals. Inside the retro, welcoming, casual space, you’re greeted with the chatter of groups families and friends of all ages. Staff are serving customers with a smile, while Adam has one eye on the pass while fluttering from table to table, chatting with diners, making sure they’re enjoying themselves.
Decca is located in Yarra Bend, partially-constructed, mixed residential, retail, and hospitality development on the 14 hectare site of the former Alphington Paper Mill. Quality food and drink options around here are scarce compared to the home of Adam’s previous two restaurants, Coda and Tonka in the CBD, so it’s no surprise that it’s become a hit with locals. Adam’s also lived in this part of Melbourne for 26 years, so he’s got a good idea of what people want around here.
What that is, is quality, comforting food, with modern-Australian flourishes, chef-driven technique, and keen pricing. The menu is primarily Italian, featuring things like house-made pastas, salumi, pizzas, and steak that’s been flame grilled on the parrilla. There’s also influences from the Indian side of Adam’s Indian-Italian heritage, and wider South-East Asia. Favourites like the Coda roasted yellow duck curry feature, as does the famed Tonka butter chicken.
I started with the cacio pepe arancini, which are every bit as good as they sound. I lightened things up a bit by following up with poke-style yellowfin tuna, pomegranate, and ponzu, served with pappadams. Also great, I stuck with the raw theme with some classic beef tartare served with raw quail egg and crostini.
For pasta, I opted for a bowl of decedent veal ravioli in amaretti and sage butter sauce. It was followed by a smoky, juicy rib eye steak with chimichurri, with sides of fries, and tomato and olive salad. With room left for dessert, I had to go for the tiramisu, served mini ice-cream cake style using gelato from Adam’s gelateria, Bocca. There’s also things like a crème brûlée, pavlova, and gelato by the scoop.
To drink, it’s classic cocktails and approachable beers, and a wine list filled with Aussie, Kiwi, and European wines. There’s just under 20 wines available by the glass, all keenly priced.
I really enjoyed my experience at Decca. It feels like a restaurant that’s been around for a lot longer than it has – welcoming, cosy, and comforting. Before my meal was over, I’d already messaged a few friends telling them that I’d found the perfect spot for our next casual get-together. It’s exactly that kind of place.
Decca
27 Mills Boulevard
Alphington
Victoria 3078
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9069 3155
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Tue: 5:00pm to 10:00am
Wed – Thu: 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Fri – Sat: 12:00pm to 10:30pm
Sun: 12:00pm to 4:00pm