Pretty Mama, Melbourne CBD

MELBOURNE | Pretty Mama Melbourne is bringing Caribbean flavour to Melbourne’s Spencer Street, a part of town that has long been a relative no-go zone for food compared to the rest of the CBD. A collaboration between Michael Cotter (Gumbo Kitchen, Po’ Boy Quarter), and Shae Silvestro (ex Brooks, Der Raum), Pretty Mama is a Caribbean Grill/Island Bar that serves up a menu full of Caribbean inspired food and cocktails – and Red Stripe of course.

pretty mama melbourne review

The space is very casual and laid back, with a beach-side shack kind of vibe going on. The spirits selection is extensive, and includes many interesting and rare top shelf rums amongst other things. All of the classic cocktails are available, but it’s the run infused creations that really take centre stage.

pretty mama melbourne review

pretty mama melbourne review

The kitchen is being run by chef Clint Gresham (ex Cobb Lane bakery) and is open to the restaurant. We spoke to Gresham and he told us that diners would be able to sit at the benches around the kitchen and chat to the kitchen staff while enjoying their meals. It’s all keeping with the casual atmosphere that the team at Pretty Mama want to achieve.

pretty mama melbourne review

We were invited to try a sample of some of Pretty Mama’s signature dishes and were treated to a range of starters and mains.

Puerto Rican Duck Ceviche

The duck fish (or “boar fish” as it’s sometimes known) ceviche was really tasty. It really worked, with the texture of the duck fish adding a not too common with ceviche chewiness to each bit. This was not a bad thing, as all of the ingredients worked really well together.

pretty mama melbourne review

Twice Cooked Plantains

You don’t see plantains on menus in Australia too often but these, for all intents and purposes, giant bananas are a great fruit to eat fresh or fried. These ones were super crispy, and tasted like a cross between potato chips and a mild banana. Very moreish.

pretty mama melbourne review

Jamaican Milawa Wood Grilled Jerk Chicken

It wouldn’t be a Caribbean inspired venue if there wasn’t jerk chicken on the menu and the version at Pretty Mama is cooked to perfection on the hot open fire that is there for all to see in the kitchen. It’s not a spicy as we’re used to with jerk chicken, but the coating is full of flavour with a really nice char to it. The meat inside, tender and delicious.

pretty mama melbourne review

Grilled Pork Chop with Pineapple Ceviche

The grilled pork chop was also excellent, with the pineapple ceviche adding a nice acidic element to the mildly spiced pork.

pretty mama melbourne review

Haitan Blackened Monkfish

Monkfish isn’t used for this traditional dish in Haiti but in sticking with the ethos to use local ingredients where possible, Pretty Mama have sourced the similar Monkfish. This dish was the only one of the night that didn’t particularly impress. It was nice however it didn’t reach the highs of the other food we tried. It seemed a bit to under seasoned.

pretty mama melbourne review

pretty mama melbourne review

We were impressed with what we saw at Pretty Mama. The owners are passionate, the drinks are great, and the food is tasty and a bit different to what you usually find in Melbourne. A welcome addition to this part of town.

Pretty Mama

220 Spencer Street (Enter via Watertank Way)
Melbourne 3000
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9034 4355
E-mail: n/a
Website: http://www.prettymama.com.au/

Open
Tue – Thu: 12:00pm to 11:00pm
Fri – Sat: 12:00pm to 1:00am
Sun: 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Pretty Mama Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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