Shadowboxer

THE VERDICT

***Shadowboxer has sadly closed, but happily re-emerged as Astoria Bar Ke Grill***

Toorak Road isn’t short of the odd classy wine bar and bistro, but most of them don’t have a leafy, north-facing terrace ready-built for lazy summer afternoons.

Shadowboxer was once headed up by the foodie triumvirate Michael Thom, Luke Thompson and Nick Aitken when the venue opened over seven years back, but after a serious refresh early last year, Max Eich stepped in to takeover the South Yarra restaurant.

This place is set up for long lunches, but it also makes for one hell of a date night venue. The fit-out is slick and contemporary, a masterstroke in minimalism from local designer Fiona Lynch. White brick walls, soft lighting, dark timber and a well-stocked gunmetal bar.

Behind the bar you’ll find Thom and Thompson—Thom handles the wine cellar, Thompson the spirits. The vino everything Aussie, and it matches the homegrown beers and spirits from independent distilleries like Melbourne Gin Company and Solera Rye Whisky from The Gospel.

In the kitchen, head chef Chris Sykes has put together a smart and sophisticated little menu. Think spelt flat bread with whipped curd and green olive, duck ribs with a house-made bbq sauce and jalapeno aioli, squid ink tagliatelle and king reef barramundi.

Image credit: Shadowboxer | Simon Shiff