Caddie

Located on Richmond’s bustling Swan Street, Caddie is perhaps, one of the most exciting Melbourne restaurant openings this year. The brainchild of Chef Dylan Evans whose resume includes stints at some of the best restaurants in the world including Noma (Denmark), Manresa (LA), Alinea (Chicago) as well as Melbourne’s staple watering holes – State of Grace and Fargo and Co., Caddie is a venue which is versatile enough to take you from a drink at the bar over some snacks to a decadent long dinner.

Aiming to grab the hearts of Richmond residents, Evans has made sure Caddie’s ethos has a strong focus on local – local wine, beer and food. The wine list ranges from Margaret River to The Grampians and beers from Wendouree to Collingwood.

On the food front, Caddie embodies the philosophy that the best food experiences are simple. The menu is kept deliberately small with two daily specials depending on what seasonal produce is available. Evans version of “simple” is, well, not quite that simple. Everything coming out of the kitchen is executed to absolute perfection with one chord constantly being struck – flavour. Perfectly balanced, beautiful flavour. The sort that makes you lick your lips and leave you wanting more.

Our top picks from the menu include the entrée of King fish which features wonderfully fresh and thick slices of fish served with a luxurious coating of burnt butter and capers. For mains, the hearty Chicken is like a warm hug. Comfort food at its best, we loved the tender pieces of juicy chicken draped in a grape, tarragon and verjuice sauce. Sweet tooths will also find plenty to love when it comes to dessert time - Think dark chocolate parfait served with roast pear and salted brittle and Jasmine tea cake served with hazelnut, mandarin and thyme.

Location: 167 Swan Street, Richmond.
Link: www.caddierestaurant.com.au