Finally! I've been meaning to check out Top Paddock for awhile now, seeing as it is the darling of Melbourne's café scene, and managed to pop in last weekend with the usual brunch gang. We were met with cool pendant lights, tiled countertops and floor to ceiling glass windows...it was such a beautiful, relaxing and airy space to lunch at.
The wait for a table was approximately 20 minutes, and we chose one that was on the lovely outdoor deck.
The wait for a table was approximately 20 minutes, and we chose one that was on the lovely outdoor deck.
I loved how private the seating was on the outside, with individual umbrella booths dotted around the restaurant.
Here, I'm wearing these really dainty Dior ribbon earrings and a rose gold Kookai cuff. Love me some good accessories!
The service here was really pleasant - service staff were so friendly and happy to chat as we waited for our mains to arrive. Let's start with the gorgeousness that is the Ricotta hotcakes (AUD$17) with blueberries, maple syrup and a quenelle of organic mascarpone over the top. This is undoubtedly Top Paddock's specialty - the hotcakes were centered with a generous amount of ricotta cheese and it was delicious. The plating of this was incredible too, complete with edible flower petals. 100% Instagram-worthy!
Here, I'm wearing these really dainty Dior ribbon earrings and a rose gold Kookai cuff. Love me some good accessories!
The service here was really pleasant - service staff were so friendly and happy to chat as we waited for our mains to arrive. Let's start with the gorgeousness that is the Ricotta hotcakes (AUD$17) with blueberries, maple syrup and a quenelle of organic mascarpone over the top. This is undoubtedly Top Paddock's specialty - the hotcakes were centered with a generous amount of ricotta cheese and it was delicious. The plating of this was incredible too, complete with edible flower petals. 100% Instagram-worthy!
I went for the significantly less exciting option, the Brocolini with snow peas, avocado and poached egg on toast (AUD$17). This was bland, really not at all satisfying. I don't think it's fair to judge the restaurant based on this one dish because most of its other offerings were great - this was just a lousy choice on my part.
The Quinoa and Potato cakes (AUD$18) were jam packed with flavour. This came with a chilli relish that rounded it off nicely - slightly spicy, fresh and very appetizing.
The Gin and Lime-cured Ocean trout fillet (AUD$20) sounded slightly intriguing, and came with cubes of potato galettes and two poached eggs. Frankly, I thought this tasted quite ordinary and didn't deliver the kick I expected, even though the plating was excellent.
The standout item of the meal was definitely the ricotta hotcakes, and I would highly recommend going for that when you're here. Aside from that, the other picks were good but nothing spectacular, and the entire experience fell a bit flat for me, especially since this place has received so many rave reviews. That said, credit has to be given for their artful arrangement of food and polished ambience, but I'm not sure if I will return again.
Top Paddock
658 Church St
Richmond, VIC 3121
Tel: 03 9429 4332
Top Paddock
658 Church St
Richmond, VIC 3121
Tel: 03 9429 4332
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