Clare D
Google
Flinders Lane is packed with incredible restaurants—many of them hugely popular—but on a recent walk down the strip, I discovered that some of the lesser-known spots are just as buzzing. One of those hidden gems is Dessous.
Tucked underneath its sister restaurant Hazel, Dessous is located in one of Flinders Lane’s oldest buildings and feels like a secret waiting to be found. Designed by The Stella Collective, the space oozes intimacy and old-world charm, layered with modern flair. Think plush velvets, deep greens, and dark timbers. It’s moody, cosy, and utterly inviting. One detail I loved? The tiny high windows that only show the feet of passersby—making you feel even more tucked away from the outside world.
We came as a group of five and kicked things off with cocktails (which the staff kindly replaced when I accidentally spilled mine—amazing service!). The menu initially felt a little overwhelming, but our waitress helped guide us through with great recommendations.
We started with oysters, then shared a variety of small plates: Abrolhos Island scallop, spanner crab donuts, pork katsu sandos, ox tongue skewers, and flank steak skewers. For mains, we ordered the grilled pork jowl and chargrilled squid. Every single dish was packed with flavour—we demolished everything. The cuisine leans heavily Thai-inspired, so there’s a definite kick to most of the dishes. If you’re spice-shy, this place may not be for you… but if you love bold flavours, you’ll be in heaven.
Our top dish? The pork katsu sando—simple, but perfectly executed.
Price-wise, Dessous sits on the higher end, but it’s 100% worth it for the quality of both food and service. A beautiful dining experience in a hidden corner of the city.