Pinchy's

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 opened a (very permanent) 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.

The kitchen is whipping up a menu where seafood reigns supreme, but it's not just about the signature lobster rolls, loaded with buttery lobster sourced from over in Maine. You'll also find a tapas-style lineup with the likes of fat scallops served in the shell with cauliflower puree ($10), Alaskan crab tacos ($7) and snapper croquettes ($9). Meanwhile, a newly launched menu of vegan fare is also causing a splash, featuring crafty plant-based bites like spiced tofu tacos with avocado mousse ($8); vegan 'oysters' made with rice crisps, sea lettuce cream and black garlic ($4); and dainty carrot cornettes filled with a jalapeno salsa and wasabi mayo ($8). If you're craving red meat, best venture elsewhere.

Pinchy's new vegan menu

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, Bodriggy's speccy juice and a spread of classic and champagne-based cocktails; such as the grapefruit & elderflower blush with yuzu and white grapefruit ($20).

Images: Jana Longhurst and Jake Roden