The Graham
The Graham is a modern European restaurant located on Graham Street, Port Melbourne. This time we were down at Port Melbourne catching up with buddies live there. They have been on about The Graham for some time so let's do it.
The Graham is previously a 19th-century corner hotel now turned into a lovely restaurant. It is still has its architectural charms with a modern upgrade... an amalgamate of the old and the new. Warm dim lighting, white linens, dark wood furniture and cream-coloured walls which makes the room quite cozy. The owner and staff are very friendly and attentive with a nice sense of humour too!
The night for the four of us we ordered our own three courses. Here are some of the dishes we enjoyed the most.
Beetroot cured ocean trout, celeriac, beetroot & horseradish cream
The texture of the fish is perfect. The crispy celeriac makes a nice contrast and the horseradish cream / wasabi brings in an unexpected kick to the palate.
Scallop ravioli
House-made fresh pasta always a treat... the big ravioli enclosed the juicy scallop is delicious. The buttery sauce with capers, seaweed and caviar added extra sea flavours to the dish.
Fish Gurnard with cannellini beans, pickled mushrooms and smoked bonito broth
This Gurnard fillet reminds me the taste and texture of the European monk fish that I used to love. A beautiful Japanese style broth accompanied the fish fillet so well.
Slow braised beef cheeks in red wine sauce
It's winter, hearty food is always a winner. Tender beef cheeks melt in your mouth along with the roast potato.
Panna cotta with passion fruit & lime
This panna cotta is extremely delicious... perfect consistency and flavours. Love it topped with the passion fruit puree, crunchy coconut and hazelnuts. Different flavours burst in the mouth.
Tangerine souffle with hazelnut ice cream
Fluffy tangerine souffle is a nice dessert by itself. The extra scoop of hazelnut ice cream is the bonus.
Chocolate & stout brownie with honey comb & pear sorbet
It is kind of a deconstruction dessert plate... maybe you can eat them separately. The brownie is nice and moist, the honey comb has a nice caramelised flavour and the pear sorbet is delicious too. Total sugar indulgence.
My favourite dish - Fish Gurnard
My favourite dessert - Panna cotta
The Graham has a good selection of Australian and European wines. We had a few nice bottles of European white and red throughout the dinner. My glass was regular filled but cannot remember what did we drink. The gents are both wine snobs and happy to order the best pairing ones for the dishes.
The Graham is a lovely place for romantic dinner or catching up with family and friends. Extremely friendly staff, nice atmosphere, good food and wine. It is truly a neigbourhood gem. Hope you will enjoy the food there too!
The Graham
97 Graham Street (corner Esplanade West) Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207
(03) 9676 2566
