Lagoon Dining

Lagoon Dining was incredible. Every dish was packed with flavour and perfectly balanced, and the whole menu felt thoughtful without being over the top. The service was warm and attentive, and the staff really knew the food and wine list well. The atmosphere is lively but still comfortable enough to have a proper conversation. Easily one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Melbourne. Highly recommend.

Lagoon Dining is the only Chinese-flavoured restaurant I keep returning to in Melbourne, and, it seems, never frequently enough. A steady and reliable menu that is regularly updated with tweaks and twists to stay fresh and exciting. Well thought-through beverage list. Stylish contemporary interior, quiet and unpretentiously elegant vibe. And, most importantly, the team behind it all is as charming as they are professional at everything they do.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Melbourne. The food is exceptional. The service is outstanding and warm. It's a pretty small restaurant with a menu of only hits. Their beef tartare is my favorite version I've had anywhere. The wine list is small, and changes regularly. They do a great job curating the list and I'm always pleased.

Lagoon Dining – 263 Lygon Street, Carlton I’d heard many great things about Lagoon Dining, and finally, the perfect excuse arrived to try it out—our other Christmas celebration. Despite Melbourne’s sweltering 40-degree heat, we made our way to Lygon Street for dinner, and we were not disappointed. From the moment we walked in, the greeting was warm and genuine, instantly making us feel welcome. The menu is designed for sharing, and our server impressed us with their deep knowledge of the dishes, guiding us toward options that suited our vegiequarian preferences and advising on just the right amount to order. Their recommendations were spot-on, leaving us with a balanced spread of flavours to savour. We began with a fresh natural oyster paired with yuzu kosho—a bright, zesty start. The pickled baby cucumbers with whipped tofu and chili oil followed; a delightful combination that danced on the palate. I have a particular fondness for shredded potato, and Lagoon’s version, dressed with Chinkiang vinegar and pickled enoki, was a standout. Then came a revelation: Chrysanthemum. Yes, the flower—well, its leafy greens—served with diced tofu, sesame oil, and pine nuts. This dish was elegant and unexpected, raising the bar even higher. For our larger plate, we chose silken tofu slices accompanied by pickled chili, a bean medley, mustard stem, and crispy chickpeas. It was every bit as impressive as the Chrysanthemum, and we couldn’t decide which we loved more. A side of steamed jasmine rice completed the experience. To finish, we enjoyed a refreshing iceberg wedge with miso ranch dressing and puffed buckwheat—simple, yet perfectly executed. Lagoon Dining may not have an expansive menu, but it offers a thoughtfully curated selection, and even the meat dishes looked enticing as they passed by, clearly enjoyed by other diners. It’s absolutely worth a trip to Lygon Street. The setting is stylish, the vibe is vibrant, and the food is nothing short of fabulous. Lagoon Dining’s reputation is well deserved.

Wow. Such amazing food, friendly staff, will be back for sure. Great for groups, and events too, as the upstairs area is perfect for function.

A really interesting mix of flavors—balanced, creative, and full of surprises without trying too hard. The food looks simple, but every bite packs a complex and satisfying punch. Service wasn’t the best, but the dessert totally stole the show! Also, we couldn’t help but notice the menu was loaded with tofu dishes—maybe it’s tofu season? Either way, it was a fun and tasty experience!

Perhaps one of the top 10 meals ever. An incredibly well put together feed me set menu. Every dish a standout. Flavours exploding everywhere but pairings for each stage so well thought out. Seriously impressive. 500ml Riesling Chardonnay 50:50 blend also fascinating and the whole thing unbelievably good value.

I had a great experience at Lagoon Dining in Carlton. The staff were fantastic, attentive and knowledgeable, making the evening even more enjoyable. I opted for the $78 set menu, which was well worth it. The portions were generous and everything was served at a good pace. Standout dishes for me were the char siu and the steak tartare - both were exceptional in flavor and presentation. I also appreciated that each course was accompanied by a fresh greens dish, perfectly complementing the meats. The only downside was the outdoor seating. While comfortable, it doesn't have the same charm as the indoor space, which is more visually appealing. Overall, a great dining experience with a solid menu and excellent service. Would definitely recommend!