Now Open: Bang Bang Is Bringing Hawker-Style Plates, Live Music And After Dark Deals To Frankston

Fan-favourite pan-Asian eatery Bang Bang has officially landed in Frankston, bringing its signature hawker-style plates to the Peninsula.

With restaurants in Mordialloc, St Kilda and Hampton, the new location marks Bang Bang’s largest venue yet, with capacity for over 130 guests. 

Bang Bang owner Ally Wickens says a Frankston location felt like a natural next step for the brand. As the supplier for local bar (and now next door neighbour) The Hop Shop, the team already had a connection to the local community.

“We also knew that many of our loyal Mordialloc guests were travelling from the Peninsula,” Wickens says. 

“Beyond that, we were drawn to the strong sense of community that exists here. Frankston is a place where people value connection, celebrate local success and embrace venues that become part of their everyday lives”. 

For Bang Bang regulars, the new restaurant will feel familiar in all the right ways, with the same menu (rest assured the crispy fried Sichuan eggplant and kingfish sashimi aren’t going anywhere) and community-driven hospitality.

Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Dan Poyner, who has shaped the menu since Bang Bang’s 2016 inception. Bringing together the flavours of Japan, Thailand and India, Poyner’s menu is shaped by travel and a passion for Asian cuisine. 

“What sets Frankston apart is its scale and versatility,” Wickens says. 

“As our largest venue to date, it has allowed us to create a range of distinct experiences within the one space.” 

The experience the team are most excited about? After Dark. 

With DJs every Friday and Saturday night and live instrumentalists on select dates, After Dark transforms the restaurant into a late-night destination, where dinner turns into drinks and trinks turn into dancing. 

Image: Bang Bang Frankston | Michele Bonicelli Studio 

“Hospitality is constantly evolving, and the last few years have encouraged venues to think more creatively about the value they offer their guests,” Wickens says. 

“As people become more considerate about how they spend their time and money, we’re seeing a growing desire for experiences that offer more than simply food and drinks. Guests are looking for connection, atmosphere and a sense of occasion, something that feels memorable and worth returning for.”

Image: Bang Bang Frankston | Michele Bonicelli Studio 

For visitors who like the sound of After Dark without a complete sit-down dinner, there’s even a curated menu of snacks (think prawn toast, chicken bao, eggplant skewers and sweet potato fries) and cocktails to work your way through between dance breaks. 

For early birds, the Bang Bang hour, running 5pm–6pm Monday to Thursday and 4pm–6pm Friday to Sunday, is hard to beat. Pop in for $2 oysters and eggplant skewers, $15 cocktails, $10 bubbles and wine and $8 schooners.

Bang Bang Frankston is now open at 24 Playne Street Frankston from 4pm until late Monday to Wednesday, and 12pm until late, Thursday to Sunday. 

Main image credit: Bang Bang Frankston | Michele Bonicelli Studio