Dandenong Pavilion

Gastrology visited Dandenong Pavilion on behalf of the Australian Good Food Guide.

Dandenong Pavilion is a family-friendly gem established in 2006. A modern venue for locals and visitors, filling a void in the area. Fast forward to 2019 and Dandenong Pavilion has cemented itself as one of Melbourne’s most popular family restaurants.

Under the guidance of owner Joel Maroun Dandenong Pavilion continues to boast a reputation for consistently treating customers with excellent food, service and fun atmosphere, creating a cult-like following.

The menu includes favourites alongside a selection of desserts to die for.

To start the Calamari - Tender ribbons of calamari were dusted in lemon pepper flour and deep fried and served with tartare sauce on a bed of wild rocket & onion. The calamari was perfectly seasoned and went beautifully with the sauce.

The Flaming Saganaki was similarly delicious. Theatrically presented, the dish was grilled wafer of kefalograviera cheese was set alight with a shot of Ouzo liquor at the table.

For mains the grilled barramundi was stunning. Exceedingly fresh and cooked to perfection, it was served with diced roast potatoes alongside a salad of Moroccan roasted chickpeas, rocket, fennel, radish, toasted almonds and parsley tossed in a roasted garlic, orange and chilli dressing topped with orange segments.

Dessert time continued to please at Dandenong Pavilion. The Peanut Butter Parfait was absolutely divine.

An old favourite back to stay, the famous peanut butter parfait had a wonderfully luxurious texture and was topped with salted caramel sauce and peanuts.

The dessert special of Nutella strawberry deep fried bao buns with pistachio ice cream was yet another winner.

Thirteen years since opening and the venue still aligns with its original ethos to create family-friendly dishes with locally sourced ingredients, local wine and beer lists. It is a venue that the community can proudly call their second home. Visitors to the area and people frequenting Dandenong Ranges’ popular walking track, 1000 Steps, are spoilt for choice when dropping in to this Dandenong favourite.

Location: 55-61 Princes Hwy, Dandenong

Phone: 03 9793 2133

Link: http://www.dpav.com.au