The Smith downstairs back full view(Image courtesy of The Smith)

Since it first opened we knew that The Smith was something special. At first glance it may have appeared (aesthetically) to be like many of the new fad restaurants and bars with amazing (but similar) architecture, and there may have even been a whiff of deja’ vu about the South American/Asian/European menu; but inside and up close The Smith’s core speaks much louder than first appearances.

The Smith downstairs dining (Image courtesy of The Smith)

The Smith has been designed from scratch – purpose built if you will for enjoying food and drink the way it should be. Inside this slick establishment you will find a table or bench top to eat a delicious meal, a bar area to sip your poison of choice, an outdoor area for tobacco consumption and an upstairs dining area for private functions.

The Smith upstairs dining(The upstairs private dining area – image courtesy of The Smith)

The Smith Hickory smoked ocean trout(The Smith’s Hickory smoked ocean trout with sweet fish sauce and banana blossom)

But now let us get to the heart of The Smith…apart from the wonderful Espresso Martini’s at the bar (of which they have processed more than 10,000 to date), their menu is what we will return for again and again. What to have? There are so many delicious morsels on the menu which is designed to share so you can ensure you don’t miss out on the dish you had your eye on. Our favourites though (like many others) have to be the hickory smoked ocean trout with sweet fish sauce and banana blossom, and the soft shell crab tortilla smeared with avocado, black bean and jalapeño salad.

The Smith Soft shell crab tortillas(The Smith’s soft shell crab tortillas with avocado, black bean and jalapeño salad, and close up below.)

The Smith Soft shell crab tortilla close upAt this point we must mention that the owners: Scott Borg, and Michael Lambie have been in the hospitality business a long time, so they have excellent relationships with their suppliers – in particular their fish suppliers (one of the best in Melbourne.) This means that if there is a significant catch it will most likely end up at The Smith to be devoured by you. This kind of the kind of detail and quality that makes a venue really stand out amongst the rest.

The Smith lunch menu(The Smith Lunch Menu)

What we’ve also recently enjoyed is their brand new lunch menu, this is one of our favourite things to do particularly on a Sunday – the art of a set lunch with a gorgeous glass of wine to wash it all down with. Most set lunches are delicious but generally offered at restaurants offering more traditional cuisine. The Smith serves up something a little bit different reflecting all elements of their South American, Asian and European menu flavours. For $35 you can enjoy five tastes/dishes and your choice of one of two wines.

The Smith Asian style oyster(The Smith’s Asian style oyster Kilpatrick with Kim Chi)

Of the five you can be sure to enjoy two of our favourites and their signature dishes: the hickory smoked ocean trout and the soft shell crab tortilla. We also recommend the Asian style oysters Kilpatrick with Kim Chi (great flavour), as well as the Cumin spiced pork belly with Vietnamese salad and black pepper caramel.

Stuck for your next lunch, dinner or catch up bevy’s with friends? Two words: The Smith.

 

 

Trading hrs: Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week, including late night eating.

Menu link: The Smith menu.

Bookings: Available, do book in advance.

Address: 213 High St, Prahran

Ph: 9514 2444

Website: http://www.thesmithprahran.com.au/

Twitter: @TheSmithPrahran

Facebook: The Smith

Coffee: Available, including Espresso Martini’s.

Must try: The hickory smoked ocean trout, the soft shell crab tortilla’s, pork belly and the Espresso Martini’s.

Notes: Like all places that over-deliver The Smith has a very loyal clientele, do book in advance. They also have an annual event called The Smith’s Seafood Frenzy – imagine a market place of roaming seafood dishes and Laurent Perrier on arrival. Email events@thesmithprahran.com.au to stay tuned on the next one. And just in case you were wondering, yes The Smith was formerly home to ET’s (remember steak night?). Either way at least it is an easy reference point if you need prompting on your next visit there.

 

 

 

 

The Smith on Urbanspoon

 

 

 

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.