It’s fair to say that the people of Melbourne tend to stick on one side of the river or the other. Then again, there are some venues like Bang Bang Elsternwick, which have people coming from every direction in Melbourne to enjoy the banquet menu, boozy brunches, and the general vibe of this stunning venue.
Bang bang Elsternwick is a southside institution, and it truly comes alive in the warmer months with the deck being perfectly utilised for lunch and dinner. We were fortunate enough to visit Bang Bang Elsternwick in the first week of December, and the silly season was clearly underway with group gatherings and celebrations happening inside and outside. If you haven’t tried Bang Bang Elsternwick or have been meaning to get back, here is what you can expect from the adventurous menu, delicious cocktail list and weekly events and dinner specials.
The Bang Bang Elsternwick menu
It’s true that Melbourne is filled with bottomless brunch destinations, and more than a few banquet menus that have the people of Melbourne screaming “feed me”! Although, what we love about the Bang Bang Elsternwick menu is that you will find seasonal vegetables on your plate, surprising twists on old classics, and generously sized four-course banquets. We would describe the Bang Bang Elsterwick menu as a blend of pan-Asian and modern Australian, with some incredibly hot dishes and authentic flavours.
The Bang Bang Bang-Quet menu
We were so excited to order the Bang-Quet menu, which we were told was designed to be shared. As someone at the table had dietary requirements, we were surprised to see how flexible the kitchen was in accommodating dairy-free and gluten-free items, with the modifications to the dishes barely noticeable and no FOMO experienced by anyone. The Bang Bang banquet menu is $69 per person, and we struggled to finish it all off. The dishes were well-sized and there was a good mix of small platters and more substantial items.
Our favourite dishes on the Bang-Quet were the popcorn cauliflower with XO sauce and the Wild Mushroom Sisig. We also liked starting off with the Kingfish sashimi, as this was a cold, simple yet delicious dish and perfect for a hot day.
Yum Khao Samunprai (left), Popcorn cauliflower (right).
Cured Kingfish Sashimi (left), Char Grilled Corn Ribs (middle) and Crispy Tofu Bao in slider and GF version (left).
Vietnamese Beef Curry (left), Passionfruit Mousse (middle) and Wild Mushroom Sisig (right).
The Bang Bang Boozy Brunch
On the day we attended Bang Bang Elsternwick, there were lots of celebrations happening on the deck who were enjoying the Boozy Brunch. Like the Bang-Quet, the Boozy Brunch features the very best of the menu presented in a hawker-style “Feed Me” menu. The Boozy Brunch at Bang Bang Elsternwick includes 2 hours of bottomless beverages, with a list of cocktails that appeal to all tastes – sweet, sour and a little more adventurous. This is available on Saturday and Sunday and is absolutely worth booking for your next celebration or social get-together.
Dining at Bang Bang Elsternwick
Before we came and tried the Bang-Quet menu at Bang Bang Elsternwick, we had heard about the incredible meals and nightly specials at the restaurant. This is such a special spot to go to for dinner, especially during daylight savings when it stays lighter for longer and you can really enjoy being outdoors on the deck. There is also an incredible drinks list, with niche beers and fantastic wines that you can expect to see in a fine dining establishment.
Be sure to check the Bang Bang Instagram to see how they celebrate seasonal events like New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and more. We can also speak for Bang Bang Elsternwicks curry night, which is always a delicious feed and perfect to share with your friends on those nights you just don’t want to cook and want to enjoy south Melbourne’s nightlife.
Have you been to Bang Bang Elsternwick before? Be sure to check out our Melbourne food reviews and check out where we are headed next by following our Instagram.
