Paladarr

Posted by: StephSpeaks | 5 July 2011, 1.15pm

Probably the best Thai restaurant...

...but probably just a good Melbourne restaurant that serves Thai food.

Before I had dinner there last Saturday with my husband and our friends, we've never even heard of Alphington. We've heard of Paladarr before through the Age Good Food Guide and other publications, but never got a chance to try it until now (everyone is so busy these days!!)

Lovely ambience, it seems like the place to go for very special occasions - I'd imagine because of its charming "tucked-away" factor, it'd be a lot of people's "secret place".

The price that we paid for 4 is quite good compared to most 'trendy' restaurants we've been to in Melbourne. They seem quite generous with "value added" stuff, we got complimentary (really yummy!) appetizers and palate cleansers from the manager and it looked like they give it out to random tables, so we were the lucky few on that evening!

We love our wines, and the restaurant has got their own wine person which is handy to have to guide you through the impressive international wine list. We summoned for the wine person at least twice throughout our meal.

Now, the stuff that matters: the food. Flavours were amazing, delicately balanced. Upon talking to our waiter, we found out Paladarr's cuisine has got a little "Isan" influence throughout the classical Thai menu, which tends to be fresher and lighter. I have to say though, I don't think I've ever tasted Thai food like this anywhere else in Melbourne - and to have eaten what we had, we feel like our poor (and jaded!) tastebuds have definitely undergone a re-education in terms of what we've always had in our minds as "Thai".

Highlights from our night was probably the duck and lamb curry. They even had ingredients in there that I've never even heard of before, and I cook A LOT! The other thing which is great too is that all the dishes are good to share, which means you get to sample a lot more of the menu in one meal - but that's probably common in this cuisine anyway.

All in all, we enjoyed our evening very much. The restaurant knows its product and delivers it quite well. Its heart-warming when you occasionally find a restaurant that doesn't seem like 'it's all about the money and volume' and focuses on the art and soul instead - I, for one, would definitely pay good money for exactly that.

Food:			Visit: Sat 2 July 2011 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Simon Belfast | 11 June 2010, 5.08am

Okay, before going any further, it must be pointed out that Paladarr is not your usual Thai restaurant. The first hint of this comes from walking in the door, when you are met by a smartly-dressed waiter, who cheerfully guides you through a softly-lit, chocolate-brown-banquetted fitout to your table. The decor is truly sublime- drapes, silk, ornate candle holders... wow. Then the menus arrive, and everything turns up a notch. Every dish sounds delicious, and the wine list is surprisingly extensive (especially for a Thai restaurant). Our waiter was happy to talk us through, and the sommelier (yes, in a Thai restaurant!) recommended a wine that beautifully complemented our meal. A special mention goes out to the red curry with roasted duck- one of the most delicious things I have tasted in living memory. I was lucky enough to get the lychee that is infused into the curry -one per serve, I am told- and it truly floored me. The food is absolutely exceptional. Service, in general, was first class, and I really can't fault the price, either. Of our last few dinners out (Embrasse, Giuseppe Arnaldo, The Courthouse, Ladro...), we enjoyed Paladarr by far the most, and it was probably the least expensive. So, if you like good food, good wine and friendly service, Paladarr is for you. If you want a $10 chicken curry and a glass of Oyster Bay... well, maybe not. Myself, I can't wait to return.

Food:			Visit: Thu 3 June 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: FoodLoverIAm | 27 May 2010, 9.42pm

The food here is great, and the atmosphere terrific. Even on a Tuesday night when I went with my wife the place was buzzing with a good crowd. The classy and earthy interior and leather chairs make for a great night in on a cold autumn night.
The food is very, very, good. One thing that should be a must try is the pork belly (Ka Nah Moo Grob). Absolutely terrific. In fact everything we tried was special in one way or another.
Service however was a big letdown. We ordered a nice bottle of wine (very nice wine list by the way, lots of half bottles for us who are driving) which came, and was poured, but then we never saw another drinks waiter for the rest of the night, and had to pour ourselves. Then there was an interminable wait to be offered desserts, after which we had to Shanghai someone to get a coffee, then it took a good 15 minutes to get someone s attention to get the bill. I had to go up to the counter in the end.
Additionally when I booked I told them it was my wife's birthday, and they made a point of getting her name and details. I thought to myself it sounds like they might make a bit of a fuss for her which she will like. Then on the night, nothing! Not even a happy birthday.
Fantastic food, good wine list, great location, top atmosphere and decor - but very disappointing service.

Food:			Visit: Tue 11 May 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: pink elemental | 15 March 2010, 12.45pm

Excellent food with very rich authentic flavours. Also able to cater for vegetarians. On the pricier side, but well worth it for a special night out.

Food:			Visit: Sun 28 February 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: dff | 1 September 2008, 9.34am

Paladarr Thai Issan has the most delicious Thai food, I love their salads especially the som tom. Great service too.

Food:			Visit: Mon 1 September 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: sqq | 1 September 2008, 9.23am

We had a great dinner here with my partner and parents. All of us loved the food and thought the service was attentive but not intrusive. We had the miang starter which was fun to make yourself but my favourite dish was the larb gai- the best I've ever had. There were lots of wines to choose from and the most comfortable chairs. I also think it is great that they sell silks to support students in Thailand.

Food:			Visit: Fri 1 August 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: shazann | 16 February 2008, 9.23am

I would also like to add my two pennies worth my husband and I were looking forward to the reservation that we had made,however we found the service very ordinary the waiting staff looked professional but that was all it was if they were doing you a favour by serving you and the meals looked like to us, as if they were cooked in a sizzler type fashion, overall very disappointing and to top it off there was a $10.00 corkage very unimpressed.

Food:			Visit: Sat 16 February 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: rsv | 10 July 2007, 1.28pm

I have been waiting for awhile to dine here. The night didn't start out very well, we arrived on a Friday night and they seemed to not expect us. We called a few days prior to book a table for 2 but our names was not on the list, the restaurant was full and they had to rush and make up a table for us at the back of the restaurant where a couple of groups where located celebrating their function. Not at all impressed. After perusing the menu we decided to skip entrees and order a few main meals to share - we had the som tum, roast duck curry and one of the specials of the day - prawns. It took 1 hour and 20 minutes before it arrived!!

In the end, my husband and I did love the food, but for an overall impression it didn't leave a great mark. For the price of the meal, I expected greater service.

Food:			Visit: Fri 29 June 2007 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: FlightQueen | 5 October 2005, 5.13pm

I had heard of Paladarr Thai Issan when I read John Lethlean's review in the Age (he gave it a happy 15/20 and was quite impressed too). The service was friendly, warm and kind - without being interferring and the decor is modern, thoughtout and with high quality cutlery, linen napkins and stunning glassware.

The food was delicious, fresh, and delicately flavoured - and you can't go past the Appetiser plate where you make your little mouthfuls of bliss yourself.. with helpful "leaf folding" instructions from your waiter if required..

I am so happy to have discovered this wonderful resteraunt just around the corner (literally) - its only downfall is is location in the back streets of Alphington - meaning more people will not chance upon it!

Food:			Visit: Thu 29 September 2005 Mealtime: dinner
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