Matilda 159 Domain, South Yarra

For Tim's birthday this year, we went to dinner at Matilda 159 Domain in South Yarra.  This restaurant is named after the owner's daughter, and the "159 Domain" refers to its street address.  Matilda 159 Domain specialises in grilled meats and seasonal produce, and is picturesquely situated across the road from the Botanical Gardens.

Here is a look at the sleek interior of the restaurant:

Diners can also be seated near the open kitchen and watch the chefs at work:

The menu at Matilda is divided into starters, entrees, sides, mains and desserts.

Instead of ordering an entrée each, we decided to share a few of the smaller starter dishes.  First up was the chicken rillettes served with burnt bran and spelt bread and aged butter ($7): 

When all the elements are put together, you end up with the most satisfying, best tasting chicken sandwich you can imagine.  I could have eaten two of these as a meal and be quite happy. 

Next up, we chose one of the daily specials - we each were served a New Zealand Storm Clam with kombu vinaigrette ($8 each): 

The clam was fine, but the absence of strong flavours meant that it did not grab me as much as the bread with rillettes.

Our next choice was the ox tongue with horseradish and sauce gribiche ($10):

This one was also a winner.  I didn't know what to expect with ox tongue, but it tasted like a soft and lightly spiced sausage.  

Next came our mains.  My choice of main was actually one of the daily special entrees,  a whole Western Australian marron with Yuzu nori butter and salmon roe ($40):

This dish was delicate and flavourful, and the entrée size was perfect for me.

Tim chose the 21 day dry aged Cape Grim Porterhouse steak with macadamia pomesco ($48):

The chef serves this steak cooked medium.  Tim gave me a piece to try and it was good.

For a side dish, we chose the butter lettuce with green tomatoes ($12):

This was a tasty side, which gave us some greenery with our meal, and the butter sauce was smooth and silky.

For dessert, neither of us could go past Matilda's most popular dessert, the Pink Lady Apple Tarte Tatin with Smoked Vanilla Bean Icecream ($22):

We each ordered a glass of Pommeau de Normandie ($14) to drink with dessert.  This blush-hued beverage is comprised of pressed apple cider and Calvados, and was the perfect accompaniment to our apple dessert.

At the end of the meal, we were given these delicious chocolates filled with white chocolate ganache:

Service at Matildas was efficient and friendly, and the atmosphere was relaxed.  I would definitely dine here again, given the chance.

Matilda 159 Domain
159 Domain Rd

South Yarra VIC 3141
Ph: (03) 9089 6668