Firebird Restaurant: A Modern Twist on Vietnamese Flavors
Firebird Restaurant Prahran is a standout among Vietnamese restaurants in Melbourne. Known for blending Vietnamese flavors with modern Australian ingredients, Firebird offers a unique and memorable dining experience. One of the must-try dishes is the prawns ($42), served with crispy Vietnamese-style rice and a flavorful lemongrass sauce. The dish is elevated with shellfish bisque, creating a rich seafood flavor.
Firebird, part of the Commune Group that also owns popular spots like Hanoi Hannah and Moonhouse, first opened its doors in 2020. The restaurant features a long, cozy room with plants and warm lighting, where an open kitchen showcases open-flame cooking. Originally led by chef Steven Ngo, the kitchen is now in the hands of Nabil Ansari, who brings his own style to the Vietnamese-style menu. Ansari, known for his time at Sunda and his Indian pop-up restaurants, has kept some classic dishes while adding his own creations.
On the menu, you'll still find well-known items like the scotch quail eggs ($9 each) and the smoked dry-aged duck ($54 for half or $106 for whole). However, Ansari’s new dishes are also gaining attention. Fat raw scallops ($10 each) are served on the shell with burnt chili and pomelo, and the beef carpaccio ($25) with finger lime and charred betel leaf offers a refreshing yet hearty option. The grilled noodles made from soft squid ($24), served on crunchy papaya salad, is another great example of Firebird’s modern take on traditional Vietnamese recipes.
For those craving something different, the eggplant curry ($30) is a standout. The curry mixes pickled, fire-cooked eggplant with fluffy rice in a dish that’s sweet, tangy, and comforting. Pair it with the wood-fired Chinese doughnuts ($6), which are crispy and delicious.
Firebird’s bar serves refreshing tropical cocktails, and the wine list offers plenty of options that pair perfectly with the menu. The fiery theme continues at the bar. Their version of the Paloma uses roasted grapefruit with charred flesh, mixed with tequila and mezcal. The Highball includes a blend of burnt plum and galangal, topped with gin and soda. Other cocktails feature ingredients like charred pineapple and flamed orange.
Firebird is part of The Commune Group, which also runs three Vietnamese restaurants called Hanoi Hannah (in Windsor, Elsternwick, and Richmond), as well as a Japanese-inspired diner, Tokyo Tina, and the Mediterranean wine bar, Neptune
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Firebird has earned its reputation as the best Vietnamese restaurant in Prahran.Whether you're enjoying their grilled oysters, indulging in an endless lunch buffet, or savoring an evening meal, Firebird offers a modern twist on Vietnamese flavors. Visit Firebird at 223 High Street, Prahran, and experience one of the finest Vietnamese restaurants in Melbourne!