Pontoon A Casual Restaurant Hit in Stokehouse Precinct

Written by David Hagger on 20 July 2017.

The Stokehouse Precinct launched sexy casual diner Pontoon and The World Loves Melbourne was invited to sample the savvy menu at this modern restaurant with stunning sea views.

Pontoon is a great venue to kick back and catch up with friends. Has it been 3 years since the Stokehouse fire already? The back from the ashes resurgence is stunning. Upstairs is the new Stokehouse formal restaurant and downstairs is Pontoon the more relaxed cousin. No white tablecloths here. "The Diner" option means you can get table service and even book - perfect for your winter feasting catch up.

Pontoon celebrates the beachside casual vibe with long tables, stools and the odd couch. By the way, it was amazing to get a park right out the front of the restaurant in the small car park and just walk in. There is ample parking nearby but if you can score one of those desirable spots out the front it's a winner.

Picture above taken at the end of the night when most had left; modern casual and chic nautical fit out with amazing sea views. To me, the pillars look like raw masts - maybe it's my crazy imagination. The lighting is dim at night, and understandably so, because it allows you to gaze out the window to the views rather than be dazzled by bright lights and miss the view.

We sat in the more formal (of the casual) area and having visited the former venue before the fire, was keen to explore the joys of Pontoon (and hopefully soon the upstairs Stokehouse).

Lance Cameron (ex Hawker Hall), the head chef organised a selection of his favourite dishes and matched wine. The menu is designed to share dishes - modern dining.

A wood fire grill is a welcome asset - and whenever we see one, we always go the wood fired option.

A fresh and bright start to the night was this Lettuce Taco Kingfish Ceviche dish; we enjoyed the crunch and creaminess of a ceviche wrapped in lettuce.

Another compelling dish on the "Nibbles" menu is the Hot and Sour Pork Belly with sesame seed. Forget the fork we just picked up the perfectly cooked flavoursome pork belly with our fingers! Melt in your mouth.

The cheery wait staff added to the conviviality of the evening with professional attentive service and a touch of banter.

The hero of the menu is the Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder with sides and condiments. This is a substantial dish that the 2 of us couldn't finish - it could even stretch to 3 people we think. Sides were decent and we ordered chips - because when it comes to casual dining we order chips regardless!

We ordered two bowls of these moorish chips...

Modern, chic and designed to complement the beach surroundings.

Wine list was on song with this SC Pannell Shiraz.

Desserts also hit the spot with this "Happy Ending" of Apple & Rhubarb Crumble, Vanilla and Mascarpone.

The bar dominates as a feature; and punters flock here on weekends for a "sesh" or two, with DJ's at various times and live music on a Sunday.

Pontoon is a ray of light in your winter, and the perfect summer beachside destination, open from noon daily. Highly recommended.

Posted in Food