St. Cloud

New Vietnamese eating-house, St. Cloud brings honest food values, focusing on locally sourced seasonal produce, all wrapped up in a ferociously fresh Vietnamese setting. 

Located on Burwood Road in Hawthorn, a former multi-level furniture store has been re-lifted with a bustling hawker style street vibe on the ground level and crisper, calmer hues alongside a rooftop garden offering sanctuary on level one.

St. Cloud's authentic Vietnamese menu nods to tradition with a healthy and modern philosophy to suit Melbourne's discerning restaurant market. The majority of dishes are gluten free with many 'clean' and vegan-friendly options throughout the St. Cloud menu. St. Cloud also proudly showcases the best in locally sourced produce.

We loved St. Cloud's dinner offering.

Entrees of Bánh khot turmeric and coconut pancakes and BBQ Scallops with charred spring onion, black bean and crisp lap xuong dressing were a hit.

For something lighter, the Ocean trout cured in annatto and ginger, with betel leaf parilla, peanuts, pomello is beautiful. A wonderful mélange of bold and vibrant flavours.

Larger share plates include tender falling off the bone Lemongrass beef short ribs and the absolute highlight of our visit, a dish of Spicy braised eggplant tofu and mushrooms in a claypot. This well-conceived dish was bursting with flavour and took full advantage of the eggplant’s most notable characteristic – its supple flesh. The thick pieces of creamy eggplant flesh melted in the mouth in a manner similar to unctuous pork fat. This gem of a vegetarian dish was one that commanded respect.

For dessert, do not go past the almond and chocolate cake. Beautifully moist and rich cake is served alongside luxurious raw cacao peanut butter ice cream, fresh figs and crispy puffed rice.

St. Cloud is the new place this summer for a fresh, healthy and affordable dining experience.

Location: 644 Burwood Road, Hawthorn East
Phone: 03 9882 0146
Link: http://stcloudeatinghouse.com.au/
Cuisine: Vietnamese