Pub Grub: Taxi Kitchen

Federation Square,
Melbourne
VIC
(03) 9654 8808
taxikitchen.com.au

BAR SIDE

Taxi Kitchen is all about fun dining – not fine dining.

Nestled in Federation Square, Taxi Kitchen boasts views of all the most tourist-friendly places in Melbourne – think Arts Precinct, the Yarra River, St Paul’s Cathedral. However, far from being just a tourist spot, this rustic yet modern restaurant (that was on Masterchef one time – a spot of trivia for you) attracts people from all over town from foodies to theatre-goers alike.

The menu has been created by executive chef Tony Twitchett, focusing on share dishes and hearty, plentiful meals. In the summer, they’re all about seafood and seasonal produce, some of which they grow themselves – sustainability is important at Taxi Kitchen, as is sharing – with the majority of their grub in the form of tapas-esque sharing plates, rather than set meals.

Never fear if you’re a feeling hungry though; they do have a large plates section on the menu, with ten options including a crispy skin Huon salmon with fennel, shallot salad and black garlic dressing; a baked whole barramundi with a caramelised lemon and herb salad; and Crystal Bay prawns with chilli, garlic, parsley and angel hair pasta.

If you’re feeling like a summery alcoholic beverage, the bar staff happily make you a Callipo – a Pampero Blanco Rum cocktail with elderflower syrup, lime juice, cloudy apple and fresh mint. But if cocktails aren’t really your style, there’s a bunch of handpicked European wines that will impress any wine enthusiast. For weekday lunches, they do a $28 Wagyu and wine deal, and if you just wanna try as many things as you can, there’s also an $85 tasting menu that they describe as “a culinary journey over six courses”.

When it’s time for dessert to roll around, this is where you can tell Taxi Kitchen has its roots in fine dining – with options such as the mouth watering passionfruit soufflé with caramelised white chocolate centre and banana ice-cream, or the dark chocolate and tonka bean mousse with pistachio nut and cherry crumble. If you want something savoury, they also offer a cheese, fruit, bread and lavosh plate.

FUN FACT

The two chefs, executive chef Tony Twitchett and head chef Sam Forte, are actually pretty much best buds – Sam was best man at Tony’s wedding!

our deal

For $55 you can get a three-course 'showbiz menu', consisting of three set courses, if you arrive between 5-7pm. Plus NYE will see Taxi Kitchen host a James Bond-themed event.