| Overlooking the Yarra River at Southbank's Southgate Precinct, Seagrass evokes a vibe as relaxing and refreshing as a sea breeze. Stained glass-style wall panels chequered in soft blue and green give the dining room a dreamy seaside feel, but otherwise this place couldn't be further from a beachside fish 'n' chip joint. The atmosphere may be relaxed, but the huge windows overlooking the city and the design by well known architect Simon Webb spell sophistication.
This is true Melbourne-style fine dining with a menu of mod-Oz seafood devised by chef Chris Wade, who spent his formative years cooking alongside Gordon Ramsay. Wade transforms top Australian seafood into familiar dishes such as warm Pacific oysters in shallot Worcestershire sauce with crispy bacon; or a tangy prawn cocktail with spiced Marie Rose sauce, rocket and avocado. These classics sit alongside meals with a bit of an exotic kick, such as the confit Atlantic salmon, Alaskan snow crab and asparagus with blood orange and vanilla air. The modern flavours continue with desserts such as raspberry souffle with frozen vanilla yoghurt and tarragon anglaise.
Those seeking a pre-dinner tipple or a nightcap can slip back to the separate bar, where wines and cocktails can be sipped in time to cool jazz tunes.
Chef: Chris Wade
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