Cheek has an inviting atmosphere. A bunch of share plates inspired by American, Chinese and Korean BBQ and quality wine is how I like to do dinner and with food like this there is no wonder we keep going back again and again and again.
We get the charcoal edamame every time because it’s the best way to start. The edamame is charred and coated in chimichurri butter and it’s fricken delicious. Definitely whets the appetite.
A second must is their hot meat doughnuts. Sugar coated doughnuts with a savoury smoked meat filling and spicy mango jam. It’s just heavenly. The combination of moreish meat, sweetness from the sugar, chilli from the sauce and the texture of fluffy doughnut is just all kinds of wonderful.
Cauliflower has never tasted so amazing. The cauli is tempura battered, deep-fried and smothered in sweet and sour sauce and miso ranch. Love.
The smoked eggplant was super flavoursome and came with some roti, slices of cucumber and coriander to eat it with so you scoop the soft eggplant onto the bread and add the accompaniments. This was really tasty.
The five day half duck was super tender and had a lovely smoky hoisin flavour and was served with thinly shredded leek.
They use quality local Australia meats and treat them right so the steaks are delicious. We had the New York strip with a beautiful bone marrow jus over the top.
The onion rings are fried in a light and crispy tempura batter. So good.
The beetroot salad was such a good side. It had the beets served over crème fraiche with herb oil and hazelnuts.
The dirty cream corn with xo, crème fraise and lime had an interesting combination of flavours. It was intense with xo then creamy and zesty from the lime.
The baby gem lettuce with Caesar dressing is a great side for some freshness. Simple and delish.
This chilled red wine went down a treat.
For dessert we tried the fairy bread which was ice-cream with duck fat caramel, parsnip chips and a sprinkles crumb.
I heart Cheek!
Olives x
Cheek
Address: 1/301 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Website: https://www.cheek.melbourne
Phone: (03) 9994 8582
Trading Hours: Tue-Sat: 5pm-12am Sun-Mon: closed
