Hidden tightly on the Queen street side of iconic Flinders Lane, away from the stock standard famous Melbourne eateries, is Lexiy – this new pan Asian gem has opened its doors. Already, she’s shining brightly.
A Seductive Arrival
From outside, it’s almost missable. But when you walk in that door, you’re instantly awed by the stunning interior. Lush velvet burgundy booths, wooden tables and polished tables. Falling from the sky are drop down silver balls of liquid metal, a robotic futuristic vibe balanced with soft Kyoto Lux. Hard to tell that it’s actually quite a large dining room, as despite the numbers, the space creates luxury, warmth and intimacy.
Right by the entrance is a sophisticated bar, with every form of premium alcohol on display. Cocktails are in order – may be a quick pre dinner aperitif, like a Freezer Door Negroni, post meal indulgence like the ‘Melon splice’ (an adults R rated take on the traditional ‘splice’ icecream) or one on each end. Whenever you are on your dining journey, a highlight is perching on the opulent counter as you watch the beautiful mixologists in action. But before you do get carried away in a puff of liquid nitrogen smoke, food is where it’s at.
Pan Asian Delights
The tantalising aromas of Asian aromatic awaken your belly before you’re seated. Start with a smoked balloon cracker. A puffed ball of flatbread arrives with a big metal spoon. Smash it open and feel the puff of smoke erupt into your face. Inside, it’s laden with surprises. A one line note “They say good fortune finds the bold. You found LEXY – proof enough.’ Dip it into what looks like a replica of the top of a fancy kids cupcake icing but is actually a rich honey smoked garlic butter.
It’s hard to pinpoint a cuisine that Lexy targets. A mix of Malaysian, Indonesian, Thai and Filipino, with French techniques and Western edge. While it sounds confusing, every dish is precisely on point, and the confusion becomes what to order. Start with a dainty kingfish kinilaw (raw seafood), immersed in a cleansing coconut broth,, with sweet notes of roasted pineapple. Seared black cod is a serious dish. Don’t let the ‘light white fish’ facade fool you, this meaty flesh is as solid as a steak, as it bathes in a powerful robust Coo Chee Thai curry sauce .The Josper Grill includes prawns doused in squid butter. Before you realise, you feel yourself sucking the tentacles off these curly creatures, that its uncontrollably impolite (yet flavours are too delectable to let go)
The Sweet Finisher
Don’t try to be carb conscious when it comes to dessert. The crème brûlée with hints of banana topped with a crunchy crumb, a cornell of ice cream and a zigzag of caramel sauce. Sweet and the ultimate indulgent yet worth every. Single. Calorie.
Lexy may be the new kid on the Flinders Street block. But while small in age, this powerhouse baby packs a punch.
What we’re Addicted to?: Pan Asian cuisine, delectable cocktails, Melbourne
What we need to be more Addicted?: Having to book in advance…. rock up and you may not get a table!
Lexy Restaurant and Bar – 377 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Hours: Sunday – Monday – Closed, Tuesday – Thursday 11:30 am to 10:00 pm, Friday – Saturday – 11:30 am to late
