Just like its namesake, Lucy Liu is geared up and packing a mean punch. Lucy takes signature Melbourne elements with its tiny laneway entrance and Asian fusion cuisine, and adds its own twists that result in an all day dining and drinks venue.
The experience starts right at the entrance, a narrow passageway off to one side of Oliver Lane lit solely by a glowing red neon sign spelling out the name. A door at the end opens up into a small greeting area before reaching the main dining area. The design takes on a large open dining hall style with a bar area to one end and the kitchen along one side. Wooden slats and panels adorn the walls and ceiling and combined with some large square concrete pillars the space mimics architecture and design found throughout southern China.
Seating is a mixture of rows of small tables, communal benches and bar seating along the kitchen.
Continuing the intricate details that make the venue, the menus are a single page spread with spectacular 3D hologram-style artwork on the back. The food menu is divided into a number of sections; Small Bites and Tastes, Dumplings and Buns, Plates, Larger, Sides and Sweets.
Highlights include the Kingfish sashimi with green chilli, hot mint and toasted coconut, Barramundi and scampi dumplings with chilli, ginger and spring onion sauce, Sticky pork belly with palm sugar caramel, young coconut salad and red chilli and the Roasted beef shortrib with rendang curry, coconut, herbs and pickles. For those that can’t decide, there is the option of a 5 course or 7 courses random tasting menu.
There is very much a trend of chilli throughout most of the dishes, but it is used in moderation to provide a gentle warmth or tongue tingle rather than to set your mouth on fire. Individual spice tolerances may vary.
Dessert options include a Ginger creme brûlée, Chocolate dulce de leche and Black sticky rice with coconut, jackfruit and sesame icecream.
The full bar allows the offering of an extensive beer, wine and cocktails. Staff can also offer a wine matching with the dishes.
Service is excellent with surprisingly few waitstaff for the number of tables, but it just works. Table wait times are also minimal courtesy of its secluded entrance.
Melbourne has no shortage of Asian fusion cuisine and Lucy Liu manages to stand out with its quality menu and experience.
Lucy Liu
23 Oliver Lane, Melbourne
03 9639 5777