Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar is one of Melbourne’s premier dining spots, celebrated for its eclectic blend of modern Asian fusion cuisine. Located in the vibrant heart of the city, this restaurant offers a dynamic dining experience that fuses bold flavours with traditional Asian cooking techniques. Whether you’re a fan of dim sum, sushi, or savoury noodle dishes, the Lucy Liu Kitchen has something to please every palate. This article explores the Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar menu, providing you with a glimpse of what to expect when you visit. If you’re exploring nearby dining options, the Theeca menu is also worth checking out for a different culinary experience.
What is the Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar Menu?
The Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar menu offers a vibrant fusion of modern Asian flavors, drawing influences from Thai and Japanese cuisines. It features a diverse range of dishes designed for sharing, making it perfect for group dining. The menu includes small plates like crispy rice betel leaf and caramelized tofu betel leaf, along with larger mains such as Cape Grim shortrib rendang and steamed cod with stir-fried water spinach. Additionally, the restaurant serves delicious dumplings, buns, and mouthwatering desserts like passionfruit sorbet with pistachio crumb. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, each dish is crafted to offer bold flavors and unique textures, making it a must-try destination for food lovers.
Here’s a table summarizing the sections of the Lucy Liu Kitchen:
Small Plates
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy Rice Betel Leaf | Shrimp, pork, peanuts, and a crunchy texture wrapped in a betel leaf. | $18 |
| Caramelized Tofu Betel Leaf | Sweet pineapple and chili paired with caramelized tofu, wrapped in a betel leaf. | $16 |
| Kingfish & Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi | Fresh kingfish and yellowfin tuna with nam jim dressing, topped with shiso. | $22 |
| Sweet and Sour Pickles & Devilled Cashews | A tangy and spicy appetizer with pickled vegetables and crunchy cashews. | $12 |
Dumplings & Buns
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Prawn & Spinach Dumplings | Delicate prawn and spinach filling in soft dumplings, lightly steamed. | $14 |
| Barramundi & Scampi Wontons | Barramundi and scampi in wonton wrappers, served with spring onion dressing. | $16 |
| Crispy Pork Bun | Soft steamed bun with crispy pork, kimchi, and kewpie mayo for added flavor. | $15 |
| Soft-Shell Crab Jianbing Pancake | A crispy pancake roll filled with soft-shell crab, hoisin sauce, and fresh ingredients. | $18 |
Larger Plates
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Grim Shortrib Rendang | Slow-cooked beef short ribs in a rich rendang sauce, served with jasmine rice and turmeric pickles. | $28 |
| Steamed Cod with Stir-Fried Water Spinach | Delicate cod steamed to perfection, served with stir-fried water spinach in sesame oil. | $26 |
| Pork Hock with Apple Kimchi | Tender pork hock served with apple kimchi, pancakes, and hoisin sauce. | $30 |
| Chickpea Masala with Coconut Kale Sambol | A flavorful, vegan-friendly dish of chickpeas in masala spices with a coconut kale sambol. | $18 |
Sides
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Scallop & Egg Fried Rice | Fried rice with scallops, egg, and a touch of chili jam for an extra kick. | $20 |
| Green Papaya Salad | A fresh and tangy salad with shrimp, chili, and lime, perfect for balancing richer dishes. | $14 |
| Crushed Cucumber with Peanut Chilli Oil | Refreshing cucumber topped with a spicy peanut chili oil dressing. | $12 |
| Steamed Jasmine Rice | A simple and fragrant jasmine rice, the perfect accompaniment to any dish. | $5 |
Desserts
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Passionfruit Sorbet with Pistachio Crumb | A tangy, refreshing passionfruit sorbet with a crunchy pistachio crumb topping. | $10 |
| Chocolate Parfait with Red Miso Caramel | A rich chocolate parfait, enhanced with a hint of red miso caramel for a unique taste. | $12 |
| Tempura Banana with Vanilla Ice Cream | Warm, crispy tempura banana served with cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. | $14 |
| Vietnamese Coffee Sago with Crispy Doughnut | A coffee-flavored sago dessert, paired with a crispy doughnut and warm coconut cream. | $12 |
Drinks
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Signature Cocktails | Cocktails inspired by Asian flavors, including sake-based drinks and unique concoctions. | $16 |
| Wine, Sake, and Craft Beers | A curated selection of wines, sake, and craft beers to pair with your meal. | $8-$18 |
Location
23 Oliver Lane, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Nestled in the city’s vibrant laneway dining scene, the restaurant is easily accessible and offers a lively, stylish atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious modern Asian fusion dishes. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar offers an exciting dining experience right in the center of Melbourne’s bustling culinary landscape.
Owners Info
Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar was co-founded by chef Michael Lambie, along with his partners Scott Borg and Zac Cribbes. Michael Lambie, a renowned chef in Australia’s culinary scene, brought his experience from notable venues like Taxi, Circa, and The Smith to create the vibrant dining concept that is Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar. The restaurant, which opened in 2014, quickly became a favorite in Melbourne’s laneway dining scene, offering a unique blend of modern Asian fusion dishes. While Lambie sold the restaurant in 2020, his culinary influence continues to shape the restaurant’s signature style. The ownership has evolved, but the core vision of bold flavors and creative Asian-inspired dishes remains at the heart of Lucy Liu’s dining experience.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews of Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar highlight its vibrant atmosphere and innovative Asian fusion dishes. Many diners rave about the bold flavors of dishes like the wontons and sashimi, along with the friendly and attentive staff. While some mention occasional service delays during busy times, most find the experience enjoyable, with the modern setting and delicious food making it a popular choice for those looking for a fun dining experience in Melbourne.
Why Choose Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar Menu?
There are several reasons why the Lucy Liu Kitchen stands out. First and foremost, it combines traditional Asian flavours with innovative techniques, giving guests the best of both worlds. The restaurant also prides itself on using high-quality, fresh ingredients to ensure that every dish is bursting with flavour. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a full meal, the menu offers options that cater to different preferences and dietary needs.
Moreover, the Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar menu is perfect for those who love to try a little bit of everything. The dishes are designed for sharing, which means you can sample a variety of flavours in one sitting. It’s an experience that encourages social dining, making it ideal for friends, families, or even corporate gatherings.
Pairing Your Meal with Drinks
Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar isn’t just about the food; it also boasts an impressive drinks menu that perfectly complements the bold flavours of its dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a cocktail, sake, or a glass of wine, there’s a drink to suit every taste. The bar offers a range of signature cocktails inspired by Asian flavours, as well as a selection of premium wines and craft beers.
Pairing your meal with the right drink can enhance the dining experience. For example, a sake-based cocktail pairs wonderfully with sushi and sashimi, while a bold red wine goes perfectly with the rich flavours of the pork hock or beef rendang. The knowledgeable staff at Lucy Liu are always happy to recommend a drink that will complement your dish.
A Stylish Dining
In addition to the delicious food, the Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar menu is enjoyed in a stylish, contemporary setting. The interior of the restaurant is designed with a modern aesthetic, featuring sleek lines, ambient lighting, and a chic atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting for a casual meal or a special occasion, the atmosphere at Lucy Liu enhances the overall dining experience.
Conclusion
The Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar menu is a true celebration of Asian fusion cuisine. Offering a diverse range of dishes that combine tradition with modern innovation, it is the perfect destination for food lovers looking to explore new flavours. From small plates to large mains, the menu caters to a wide variety of tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re dining with friends or enjoying a quiet meal for two, the experience is always exceptional.
Incorporating a mix of fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and creative presentation, the Lucy Liu Kitchen promises a dining experience that is both memorable and satisfying. So, the next time you’re in Melbourne, make sure to visit Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar and enjoy their incredible menu offerings. Don’t forget to explore nearby dining options like Baguette Studios menu if you’re looking to expand your culinary adventure.
