Recently we ventured down to the waterfront at Melbourne’s South Wharf to visit an institution in Melbourne’s food scene, The Boatbuilders Yard. This one-of-a-kind gem is a must-try experience if you’re travelling to Melbourne or looking for a new dining experience as a local. Here is our review of The Boatbuilders Yard and its incredible menu.
The Boatbuilders Yard venue and location
The Boatbuilders Yard is located right on the water at South Wharf next to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, you even have to cross a small bridge to get on board this incredible venue. Once you’re there you are greeted by friendly staff and a multitude of different seating areas to choose from. Inside you will find a virtually untouched industrial-style venue that holds the history of the site so well. There is a beautiful large fireplace for those cold evenings and an opportunity to enjoy a meal and a drink by a roaring fire. The bar is the centrepiece and watching the staff craft cocktails, pull beers and pop corks is a nice way to pass the time before your meals arrive.
Outside you’ll find plenty of picnic-style seating by the water, wine barrel tables with stools and plenty of seating on the water as well. Despite the venue itself being a throwback to the times when boats were being built on the Yarra River, honouring the history of the building incredibly well, it still has a modern feel and a welcoming vibe as well.
The Boatbuilders Yard Menu
The Boatbuilders Yard has recently launched its new menu, and let us be the first to tell you it is worth a trip to check it out. We sampled more than a few of the items, including staff recommendations and we were blown away by how fresh and flavourful the food was. There is a hint of a South American influence, and if that is your kind of food then you won’t be disappointed. Our visit included:
Guacamole
As a starter the guacamole with house-made corn chips and lime salt was amazing. The house-made corn chips were enormous and the crunch they provided was delicious. The lime salt helped cut through the creaminess of the guacamole which made it feel even fresher than it was. The presentation of this dish was so cute, with the house-made corn chips creating an almost fence around the guacamole to protect it from peering eyes and hungry stomachs of the neighbouring tables.
Pork Belly Bites
We were told by the team at The Boatbuilders Yard we simply had to try the pork belly bites and were not upset we listened. These crunchy, moist and delectable bites of pork were so tasty and the peach BBQ sauce and pickled daikon that accompanied them completed the dish perfectly. The peach BBQ sauce gave the pork belly a subtle sweet and sour taste and the pickled daikon was the freshness needed to lift the dish even further. If you are heading to The Boatbuilders Yard do yourself a favour and order the pork belly bites.
Pork Ribs
The first main we decided to try was the pork ribs which came with BBQ braised mix beans, coleslaw and house-made corn tortillas. If you are looking for a hearty and delicious meal that caters to any dietary requirements then this is it. The pork ribs are gluten-free, nut-free and dairy-free as well. The pork fell off the bone and was so well marinated it was like a fiesta in your mouth. The corn tortillas were the perfect accompaniment to get a small mouthful of everything this dish has to offer. The combination of flavours on this dish work so well together you will be asking for more as soon as you finish it.
Cajun Crumb Fish Burger
If you’re like us and you can’t look past a seafood option on any menu, then do yourself and your tastebuds a favour and order the cajun crumb fish burger. The fish was so delicate and soft it was as if it melted in your mouth, and the crunch of the cajun crumb gave it the perfect texture. The soft milk bun is the ideal vessel for the fish and the remoulade sauce, pickled onion and iceberg lettuce capped the burger off perfectly. As far as fish burgers go, this is up there with the best of them and has found the perfect balance of flavours to really deliver a delicious meal. The burger comes with a side of chips that have a tasty spice mix over the top that cuts through the starch incredibly well.
The drink selections at The Boatbuilders Yard
No matter what you are looking for when it comes to a beverage or two, The Boatbuilders Yard has got you covered. There is a plethora of choices for beers, both on tap and bottled, various wines and plenty of cocktails to choose from as well, 13 to be precise. It was a little chilly when we arrived and the fire wasn’t roaring so we chose to indulge and try one of The Boatbuilders Yard’s warm cocktails. We couldn’t look past the Boozy Mint Slice, I mean who doesn’t love a Mint Slice? The cocktail has a base of hot chocolate, Makers Mark bourbon, creme de menthe and creme de cacao blended together to warm even the coldest of insides.
It’s fair to say this cocktail is the perfect drink if you are looking to warm up after you arrive, and trust us if the hot chocolate doesn’t do it, the bourbon will. We can’t say we are big bourbon drinkers, but if it’s your drink of choice then don’t look past this winter warmer.
The Boatbuilders Yard is a unique venue on Melbourne’s waterfront that is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy a few drinks or a meal. Given its proximity to the convention centre, Marvel Stadium and DFO, it’s an ideal place to stop and enjoy the Melbourne atmosphere.
Have you been to The Boatbuilders Yard South Wharf before? Be sure to check out our Melbourne food reviews and check out where we are headed next by following our Instagram.
