Basement Restaurant and Wine Bar
164 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Tuesday – Saturday, 5pm – late
Menu Reservations Events and Functions
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03 9070 4939 info@dessous.com.au
Located in the heart of the city at 164 Flinders Lane, Dessous is a wine bar and restaurant in the basement of the historic Richard Allen & Son building.
An underground bar like no other with an intimate character and old-world atmosphere. The interior is a warm and moody assembly of low lights, marble, plush velvet and deep greys and greens — a beautiful, subterranean escape you’ll be in no rush to leave.
The food is familiar but unique, focused on snacking and sharing. Inspired by Chinese-influenced Thai flavours, we offer a range of options for any taste or budget. Our small plates are the perfect accompaniment for after work drinks, a full dinner or late night cravings. Larger dishes hero fresh, flavourful produce while maintaining elegant and attentive details.
The drinks lineup is an extensive one, with a wine selection that focuses on sustainability, biodynamic practices and exposing unfamiliar regions and varietals. Our cocktails build on classic recipes with subtle twists to create flavours that are familiar but not instantly recognisable. Backed by a lineup of local brews and craft beers.
Dan Sawansak leads the kitchen at Dessous and draws on years of experience in restaurants in Melbourne and abroad. He spent five years at MoVida before travelling overseas and working in kitchens in Norway and Hong Kong. Upon returning to Melbourne, he took the position of head chef at Higher Ground and moved across to open Dessous in October 2019. Dan’s cooking style is best described as eclectic. Inspired by his Thai upbringing and international travels, experience Dan’s unique culinary style where French technique meets a personal spin on distinctly Thai flavours and dishes. Experience Dan’s unique approach at Dessous with delicate dishes and rich flavours.
If you require any disabled access please get in touch with us at info@dessous.com.au
The interior is both minimal and attentive, featuring a warm assembly of low lights, marble, plush velvet and deep greys and greens – the perfect atmosphere for your next function.
The space can be set in multiple arrangements to create a unique event, with the ability to accommodate groups ranging from intimate gatherings to a corporate lunch or dinner.
We have a number of different set menu and canape options available or can tailor a menu to suit your needs. Dessous allows guests to explore and enjoy the beauty of the entire space.
FOOD
PACIFIC OYSTER, FERMENTED CHILLI DRESSING – 6.5 EA
CGP SEASONAL CRUDITÉ, LON – 12
ABROLHOS ISLAND XL SCALLOP, CARAMELISED PORK CHEEK, FINGER LIME – 12
GLOBE ARTICHOKE, SWEET SOY SAUCE, SHALLOT, GARLIC – 6
PICKLED SPRING BAY MUSSELS, CHILLI COD ROE, CRISPS – 11
TARO FRITTER, SALTED PLUM SAUCE – 6.5
SPANNER CRAB DONUT, SRIRACHA, SALMON CAVIAR – 19
POTATO ROSTI, LARB SPICED TUNA TARTARE – 11
CHAR-GRILLED SQUID, SAMBAL, SALTED EGG AIOLI, POTATO BREAD – 30
OX TONGUE SKEWER, GREEN PAPAYA AND TOMATILLO SALAD, PEANUTS – 22
ROASTED BONE MARROW, STICKY RICE, THAI HERB SALAD – 24
BARRAMUNDI, BLUE SWIMMER CRAB, CURRY POWDER SAUCE, GARLIC CHIVES – 40
LOCAL WILD MUSHROOMS, COCONUT AND GALGANGAL BROTH – 28
BAKED VERMICELLI NOODLES, KING PRAWNS, PORK BELLY – 45
SMOKED DUCK LEG ‘HUNG LAE’ CURRY, BRAISED SHALLOTS, GINGER – 47
STIR FRIED ASPARAGUS, GARLIC, OYSTER SAUCE – 15
JASMINE RICE – 5
STICKY RICE – 5
GRILLED BANANA WITH TURMERIC, COCONUT SORBET, PEANUTS – 15
COCONUT STICKY RICE, FRESH MANGO – 15
LEAVE IT TO US! CHEFS MENU- $88 PP
GLOBE ARTICHOKE, SWEET VEGAN FISH SAUCE – 6
POTATO ROSTI, FERMENTED CELERIAC – 11
LOCAL WILD MUSHROOMS, COCONUT AND GALANGAL BROTH -28
SOY MIRIN BAKED RICE, SEASONAL VEGETABLE – 28
STIR FRIED ASPARAGUS, GARLIC, SOY – 15
GREEN PAPAYA AND TOMATILLO SALAD, PEANUTS – 15
COCONUT STICKY RICE PUDDING, SEASONAL FRUIT – 15
Thank you for choosing Dessous Wine Bar. There are a few things to note before you book.
Reservations are for dining guests only. Bookings before 6:30pm will have a dining time of 2 hours, after which we’ll require the table back for the next sitting. Groups of 6 or more will be required to dine on our chef’s shared menu ($88 per person).
If you were looking for just a drink, we always keep the bar and a few tables aside so feel free to pop in.