Tenpin

Tenpin is a vibrant restaurant and bar offering contemporary South East Asian cuisine, served up alongside picturesque ocean views on Port Melbourne's Beach Street.

Tenpin has recently rolled on down the street to a sunny new bayside space, located on the corner of Beach and Nott Streets in Port Melbourne - just down the road from its original home at 67 Beach Street, which now houses Tenpin’s Middle Eastern brother Mr Lawrence.

While the venue is different, Tenpin’s unmistakable Asian-pop kitsch charm remains, along with an adventurous menu that explores the punchy flavours and exotic spices of contemporary pan-Asian fare.

To start, we loved the Betel leaf with sticky pork, prawn, pineapple and peanuts - a multitude of intense flavours which was highlighted by the clever use of contrasting sweetness, savoury and umami flavours. 

The Kingfish sashimi was similarly delicious. The thick slices of very fresh king fish were served with pomelo, coconut cream, Vietnamese mint. The dish was notable for the quality of the fish and the interplay between the tartness of the pomelo and the richness of the coconut cream. It was a simple but well executed dish.  

The Corn and coriander fritters were yet another highlight. Each fritter boasted a crunchy golden brown exterior while being beautifully succulent and sweet inside. 

The Portarlington mussels were also wonderful. Stir-fried with the most addictive chilli jam, Thai basil and lime which created a perfect balance of sweet, salty and sour. 

Whatever you do, do not go past the Penang curry with slow cooked beef, potato and peanuts. Marrying a perfect balance of spices and sweetness, the accompanying curry was one of the best examples of a Thai Penang curry we have had. Together with steamed rice, the robust and fragrant dish was an addictive and comforting dish.

Desserts show modern techniques melded with traditional Asian flavours. The banana trifle with gooey tapioca cake, sugar bananas and peanut caramel was unsurprisingly delicious. 

The drinks menu is equally enticing: a carefully curated selection of fun but sophisticated beverages to complement the bright food flavours. An extensive wine list features a range of premium Australian and European wines, with much available by the glass. The cocktails are inspired by travels to Southeast Asia, with vibrant, fragrant and refreshing combinations. 

The Tenpin team has created a lively atmosphere where you can indulge in stunning food, drinks from the well crafted wine and Asian-inspired cocktail lists and watch the sun set over the bay. Lovely.

Location: 49 Beach Street, Port Melbourne
Phone: 03 9041 3211
Link: tenpinkitchen.com.au
Cuisine: South East Asian