When one door closes another one opens. After Claypots closed down their Gertrude Street location we all panicked a little, but unbeknownst to us the Claypots crew had bigger fish to fry.
The Evening Star is not like the Claypots you were used to on Barkly and formerly on Gertrude. Evening Star tackles a new dining style — a Teppanyaki grill/seafood bar that is reminiscent of a small seaside restaurant in South East Asia or even Europe. The cosy seating around the bar area makes for perfect people watching, lunch and morsels in small groups (space is of the essence in this tightly run little ship).
Food here, as you will know from their current and previous haunts, is prepared lovingly so if you have time to graze I would recommend starting with some oysters (a sensible/mandatory seafood entrée) or their signature Chowder, a mixed salad plate — we had a selection of roasted mushroom, fennel and dill salad as well as roasted eggplant and tomato ($15) and your choice of whole fish (this is a must!).
Other options you will see ogling at you from the open fish cabinet are the plump juicy octopus skewers ($10), cuttlefish skewers and fresh scallops ($4 each), crabs ($15 each) and much more.
I returned a week later for the dish that seemed to be the catch of the day: the Claypot Fish Sandwich. The most popular lunch option by far. It comes served on toasted pide bread and filled with a hearty fillet of fish with onion, sumac spices, parsley, lettuce and olive oil ($8). And the best part, they’re licensed so you can wash it all down with a vino or two. Another noteworthy detail is the musicians that play while you’re eating — it’s old school, pleasant and welcoming.
Romantic, rustic and homely, spend a lunchtime or evening at South Melbourne’s newest star — Claypots Evening Star.
JC x
Trading hrs: Wed 8am – 4pm, Fri 8am – 5pm, Sat and Sun 8am – 4pm.
Address: Stall 101 South Melbourne Market. Cnr of Cecil and York St’s, South Melbourne
Ph: 9645 5779
Notes: Evening Star run a tight ship — dining is ideal in a solo, duo or a small group scenario. Do try the fish sandwich, anything from the grill and of course their signature Chowder.
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Please note that prices, menu items, management or trading hours may have varied since time of review. Our thoughts and opinions are based on our experience only.
