That exquisite glossy sheen on pearl meat gently sautéed with garlic chives and asparagus? The brittle-crisp skin on the roasted duck that shatters as you bite into a precision-rolled pancake? The century egg encased in quail meat and breadcrumbs fried a perfect golden tan? These are some of the dreams that will haunt you in the days after a meal at this brilliant pillar of Melbourne’s dining scene. Flower Drum’s grand carpeted rooms with their glinting screens, sculptural flower arrangements and fleet of skilled floor staff have recently been joined by a new bar, the scene of classic cocktails and bar snacks. But the main beat – chef-owner Anthony Lui’s lengthy menu of classic and modern classic takes on Cantonese cooking (do not resist the noodles made from wild barramundi) – goes on with admirable gusto. Whether celebrating life’s milestones or simply treating yourself, dining at the Drum is the perfect expression of self-care.
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide 2022
Our guide gives a yearly snapshot of the best restaurants to eat at right now. The best-rated restaurants, as judged by the reviewers’ first-hand experience, form our national Top 80.
