The Bohemian South Wharf Melbourne

‘Do you mind if we sit over there?’ I asked the waiter at The Bohemian South Wharf Melbourne, trying to control my chattering teeth and pointing at the table with the sunshine flooding through the window. He smiled and said ‘certainly’. I didn’t need to explain we were not acclimated with to Melbourne’s ice-like wind, the desperation in my request for sunshine said it all. Bloody Queenslanders. Winter here is short and sweet. It’s true we’re back to short and t-shirts now!

The Bohemian is a Spanish restaurant located in Melbourne’s South Wharf. It seems this is slightly on the outskirts of the CBD, however was right next door to the Hilton so worked perfectly for us. In fact, we enjoyed that the restaurants along this strip were largely unexplored. Despite being on the quiet side of town, it did not disappoint in regards to their food, service or atmosphere. It was the culinary delight of our trip to Melbourne and one that deserves a post of its own.

We started with the mulled wine, which was the BEST mulled wine I have ever had. I was disappointed by the cheap glass tea cups but that didn’t stop me ordering a second glass.

We had the Chef’s selection of Tapas for $25 which included Patatas Aioli (photograph taken half way through eating, I must have been hungry!) along with two other dishes (that I can’t remember, sorry!) and a main.

The main was superb.  The mashed potato was a lovely accompaniment to the 5 hour braised beef cheek with horseradish and mint sauce. The mint sauce was perfectly poised with the red wine jus, giving it the slight sweetness required that such a deep flavoured dish requires. The flavoursome beef was moist and fell apart with the slightest pull from a fork.

Apart from the richly flavoured food and wine, there is a charming vibe to this cosy little restaurant. The music and bright décor increased my love for Spanish culture and only furthered my desire to travel to South America and Spain. Reis and I wandered away with full tummies and hips ready to burst out in a salsa! A must visit for all Melbourne travellers or dwellers!