LOCATION
Albert Park is ten minutes from the CBD. Enter via Clarendon Street gates into the park, take the first left, then the first right into Aquatic Drive, proceed to the end of Aquatic Drive.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
When it comes to location, The Point has got one of the best in Melbourne. Housed in a sleek, modern structure on Albert Park Lake, diners enjoy a commanding view of the water which is bordered by the skyscrapers of the CBD in the distance. The upstairs restaurant boasts simple decor and a predominantly black and white colour scheme, with the occasional splash of red to jazz things up. Huge windows provide a nearly unbroken view of the lake and there is no mistaking that it takes centre stage. Downstairs is the more casual cafe which opens for breakfast and lunch from Friday through to Sunday.
The menu is full of ingredients that have a contemporary twist and the cooking techniques implemented by the kitchen are just as cutting edge (thank goodness for the glossary at the back of the menu!) Balance of flavour is the cornerstone of each dish - think slow-cooked saddle of lamb with a curried parsnip and apple puree accented with hints of coriander and cumin in a light sauce. For those whose tastes are more traditional, there is a whole page of beef cuts - pasture-fed, grain-fed, you name it - including a tasting plate and dishes to share such as chateaubriand with a bourguignon garnish and minted pea puree. The wine list is exceptional with a notable selection of drops from Bordeaux and Burgundy. None of this comes cheaply of course, but the $30 lunch menu provides a limited choice from Mondays to Saturdays and is excellent value. The Point is a fantastic venue for your next function. There are two seperate function areas, The Lake Room and The Promenade Room which can seat up to 180 and 300 for a cocktail function.
Rita Erlich, April 2008
Personal Statement
"Serves arguably Melbourne's best, and certainly most scenic, steaks" - Jane Hutchinson 2007
