United Kitchen Dining & Tapas

Embodying the Mi casa es su casa (my house is your house) mantra, United Kitchen Dining & Tapas is a stunning Latin American joint located in St Kilda's bustling food precinct.

One of Melbourne's best Latin American hot spots, we were delighted to return to sample their newest menu.

Head Chef and Owner, Tong Li and his partner in life and business, Lee Li, continue to innovate with offerings are inspired by Tong’s training throughout Mexico.  The result is an outstanding new menu which is Latin-American inspired, Spanish infused, with Asian influence and it is ultimately driven by local, seasonal Australian produce.

The drinks menu supports the culinary genius with a line-up of culinary-inspired cocktails that are sure to please. These signature blends are created via an application of kitchen techniques and are topped with fresh garnishing or cooked embellishments. Of course, there is also an honest beer, wine and spirits list if you prefer your more traditional beverage.

We started our meal with the Pork and Fennel Sausages which were nothing short of delicious - Beautifully char-grilled and served with edamame peas and caramelised onion.

If you love seafood, the dish of slow cooked octopus, spring potato, spicy chorizo and chimichurri is a must have. One of our favourite dishes of the night, the octopus was incredibly tender while retaining a robust structure courtesy of being expertly cooked. The accompanying potatoes were creamy and well-seasoned by the spicy chorizo which delivered a luxurious salinity and also enhanced the flavours of the octopus.

For something heartier, do not go past the Fisherman’s Pot paella. This is one flavour bomb you do not want to miss. This seafood paella was a standout. Made with Market fresh seafood (including Octopus, prawn, squid, mussels and barramundi filet), Spanish paprika and short grain rice and served in a paellera (paella pan), there was a beautifully crusty/slightly burnt bottom which had the infused aromas of being cooked over an open fire.

The desserts on offer continued the trend of the evening - delicious. Think spring rolls filled with peanut butter and lashings of salted caramel and the melt in your mouth homemade mango panna cotta with coconut rum granita and torched lime.

With the aim of uniting people and cultures via shared experiences, the bar and eatery is designed to allow for all occasions whether it’s an intimate dinner for two or more people, large groups & functions but also even just single people passing by.

Location: Shop 2, 52 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9534 4470
Link: www.unitedkitchen.com.au/