Covered by a dark exterior, chic Thai eatery Rambutan doesn't quite fit in with its neighbours at the daggy end of Oxford Street. Restaurateurs Joe Natale and Milena Molina-Natale know style, having spent time in the world of fashion and design. The decor is described as "Europe meets Miami", demonstrated by long elegant lines punctuated by flamboyant flashes of Missoni fabrics and bamboo-patterned Florence Broadhurst wallpaper.
The food is a dazzling array of southern Thai specialities such as vegetarian curry puffs with sweet chilli sauce; and steamed dumplings of chicken, prawn and sweet corn topped with a plum sauce. While the menu is impressive, the real treat is hearing the staff explain the menu as if they were selling artwork. Don't expect to find usual Thai dishes such as pad thai on this menu; chef Mai Busayarat, formerly of Tuk Tuk and China Doll, offers delicacies such as tea-smoked quail; and braised wagyu beef cooked for four hours, which melts in your mouth. If you're not a fan of coriander make it known, as it features in most dishes.
Long communal tables are the restaurant's upside to some and downside to others. While the dinner party theme works well, it can be challenging to hear your server and dining companion when the place gets busy, as it often does on weekends. After dinner, descend downstairs into the drinking den, where cocktail artisan Jason Crawley serves up such boozy concoctions as his signature Lavender Lollipop Martini.
Open
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Breakfast
Lunch
O
Dinner
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Late
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Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun 6pm-3am, Fri noon-6pm
Thai
Signature dish: Crispy duck with sweet rambutan and tamarind sauce
Entree: $4-$16
Mains: $18-$30
Dessert: $8-$10
Tasting menu available for $35 per person
Payment accepted: MasterCard, Visa, American Express and EFTPOS
Licensed with bar. Wine is available by the glass.
This venue accepts bookings. It is advisable to make a reservation ahead of time. Group bookings are supported.
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