Overview
With its hot-ticket pairing of bubbles and crustacean-stuffed rolls, Pinchy's has spawned a few popular pop-ups over the of years. But, thankfully, its latest venue is sticking around for a bit longer than usual. Pinchy's has just opened the doors to its new, very permanent digs — a snappy first-floor eatery and sun-drenched terrace perched above Bourke Street.
The newly hatched Pinchy's Champagne and Lobster Bar comes decked out in a rainbow of candy pinks and loud neon, with 75 seats inside and room for another 60 out on the balcony. It's fun and playful, with pops of greenery and splashes of terrazzo, and a very suitable set-up for those balmy evenings to come.
Executive Chef Pierre Khodja (Camus, Canvas, Terminus) is whipping up a menu where seafood reigns supreme. But it's not all about the signature lobster rolls, loaded with buttery lobster sourced from over in Alaska and Maine.
You'll also find a tapas-style lineup of fat scallops served in the shell atop black risotto, crab tacos, salt cod sangas, prawn head rolls with sea urchin aioli and creamy snapper croquettes. Mussels are done in a rich chowder-style sauce, too, and stuffed calamari comes teamed with a tarragon dressing. There's also a handful of plant-based options, but if you're craving red meat, best venture elsewhere.
Here, seafood's perfect match is a bubbly one — so you'll find plenty of fizz on the drinks list. A hefty champagne selection sits alongside brews from Colonial Brewing Co, Stomping Ground sours, three Adelaide Hills ciders and a spread of classic and champagne-based cocktails, such as the citrusy Thorny Bitch and a slightly salty twist on a negroni.
Find Pinchy's Champagne and Lobster Bar at Level 1, 200 Bourke Street, Melbourne. It's open 11.30am till 10pm Wednesday to Sunday.