Newmarket Hotel

Newmarket Hotel is a Melbourne Institution - having been around for years, this Inkerman Street establishment in St Kilda is definitely a household name. The venue itself just oozes with character - looking almost like an old factory from the outside, the inside is elegant whilst still being dim and enchanting.

Serving up a menu inspired by Californian cuisine with a hint of the south (think cheesy quesadillas, soft shell tacos and Latin cured meats) the food on offer is both mouth watering and extensive. The fiejoada taco with braised black beans, cured pork and brisket was delicious - however I definitely had food envy of my friend's crispy john dory taco which had sea urchin sauce, artichoke and scallop cake. The corn on the cob was also tasty, but not quite as good as the like's of Mamasita's or Paco Taco's.

The smoked 24 hour angus beef brisket just melted in the mouth and was bursting with flavour.  The sprout slaw was also a different, but inspiring accompaniment to the meal and was absolutely delicious. 

Unfortunately I forgot to take a photo of my favourite dish of the night - the mushroom and spinach quesadilla with pinto beans, sour cream and huitlacoche. It's fair to say that this may even by one of my favourite dishes in Melbourne. Huitlacoche is actually a fungus which grows on corn which has the most incredible flavour - definitely worth giving a try!

The staff were also a stand out of the night - from the person taking our orders, to the person taking away our plates, everyone was amazingly helpful and friendly. The friend I dined with is fructose intolerant, which can often put a restaurant into a spin, however, the people at Newmarket hotel were absolutely wonderful about it! Thank you for such a wonderful night!

Food: 4/5
Venue: 4.5/5
Service: 5/5
Total: 13.5/15
Verdict: Love - get around to trying it soon