With so many Chinese eateries gracing Melbourne, to stand out from the pack you need to have that special something. And while that something may be intangible and elusive (just try asking an interior designer to include 'that special something'), you can find it in abundance at David's. A quick glance at the menu and you know you're in for some original and unusual dishes in the Shanghai and Sichuan styles, including traditional health tonics and an amazing range of herbal teas (a tip of the cap, for those in the know, to owner David Zhou's former life as a traditional Chinese herbalist).
The open restaurant isn't crowded with tables and there are many options for vegetarians, but the thing that separates David's from the pack most is the desserts. Most Chinese restaurants, it is fair to say, are notorious for having lacklustre dessert options - at David's it is just the opposite. From the deep-fried, crispy parcels of banana wontons to the pre-cult status (it shouldn't take long) almond pudding, the desserts at David's are stellar, without exception. Most come liberally dusted with black sesame sugar, the ashen black-and-white speckle looking like the best possible outcome of a volcanic eruption.
Gourmet Travller 2009 Australian Restaurant Guide - "David's has attained its place as a favourite on Melbourne's crowded food scene by following a simple formula: interesting and refined Shanghainese cuisine in elegant but relaxed surrounds."
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All reviews and ratings are the expressed opinions of our users, and in no way reflects the opinions of yourRestaurants, its staff and its affiliates.
Posted by:
debha
|
5 May 2010, 2.07pm
I could eat here often - how soon can I go back??
Hat it up! I like it so much, I am in danger of going here for every special occasion. And our group of 6 all agreed it's not that expensive considering the food & atmosphere. The dumplings are just delicious, Shanghai meatballs, Da Qian chicken - all delicious! I wonder what on earth could have disappointed some people, but then it's more likely I'll get a table if a few people stay away, haha! The service was a bit slow the night we went and it's true the staff don't engage much, but they were very obliging. I've been here several times & have never left disappointed. I can't stop thinking about it & when I can go back. The only disappointing thing was I was too full to try more of the dishes that took my fancy!
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Visit: Sat 1 May 2010
Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
WL
|
29 September 2009, 3.08pm
Excellent
Excellent Chinese restaurant. The pork belly entree is to die for. It just melt in the mouth as well as the scallops with egg yolk for main course. Dessert is ok but not impressive. The service is friendly and charming with relaxing atmosphere. All in all, it is worth every cent for a nice dinner.
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Visit: Mon 28 September 2009
Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
Yumyuminmytumtum
|
26 October 2008, 5.18pm
OK but not deserving a hat
Having recently moved to Melbourne, my husband and I are desperate for some good yum cha. After reading online reviews and The Age Good Food guide, we decided to go to David's. We expected a zen-like atmosphere with out-of-this-world food. Instead we found lack-lustre service and average nosh.
The scallop dumplings didn't have much flavour; the pork buns were too salty; the bok choy bland; the drunken chicken plain; the prawns meagre in their rice wraps (we think they were shrimps).
The service was fine - we didn't have to wait long for anything - but we felt more like we were in a fast-food joint than a one-hatted restaurant as our waiting staff didn't really engage with us beyond taking our order.
David's wasn't bad, and we left satisfied and full - but it wasn't good either and didn't come near touching any of the beautiful yum cha feasts we've been lucky enough to sample in other cities.
Food:
Visit: Sat 25 October 2008
Mealtime: brunch
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
monotone
|
5 October 2005, 5.14pm
Yum Cha in Style
Food:
Visit: Mon 19 September 2005
Mealtime: lunch
Service:
Atmosphere:
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