Gingerboy restaurant, Melbourne

Find a disco-chic shop front in a narrow Melbourne back street and you've found Gingerboy. The newest feather in chef and restaurateur Teague Ezard's cap is pulling in foodies and aesthetes alike by way of an ultra modern east-meets-west space and an innovative street stall-inspired menu.

Architects Elenberg Fraser envisaged an interior that whilst true to Ezard's creative menu, effortlessly avoids any themed dining gimmicks. Passing over the neon threshold, an installation of shiny black bamboo poles and spotlights creates a sparkling tunnelled ceiling and the resulting starry-night-market illusion is stylishly offset with modern accessories such as clear Perspex chairs and sleek banquet seating.

Gingerboy's urban appeal lies with the combination of a contemporary dining experience and the innovation of Ezard’s trademark Southeast Asian flavours, this time served up with the cheerful absence of fine dining prices. Dishes such as the much-applauded son-in-law eggs with chilli jam and asian herbs are not to be missed but if you are just stopping for some Asian-inspired tapas, wash it down with the Gingergirl cocktail or a Japanese plum martini.

30 July 2007 | Travel