The setting is the Paris end of Melbourne’s Collins Street, right next door to the Regent Theatre. The venue is BOX SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, specialists in Australian market fresh fish, crustaceans and mollusks. On arrival, the ground level dining room is abuzz with pre-theatre goers finalizing the early sitting prior to the show next door. Our group is promptly greeted and ushered up to the first floor by our friendly host and proprietor Adrian Gerlach.

Our party of 26 diners arrives at our private dining room for the evening, known as the Collins End. The other PDR known as the Flinders End accommodates 36 guests we are politely informed as being seated. Crisp white linen adorns the table and amongst the chatter, it’s time to decide what to drink.

The wine list consists of a broad priced range of amazing Australian, New Zealand and Italian varietals and moves upward in price to a concise selection of French champagne at the top end. We decide on a French Veuve Clicquot NV from Remis at $150, a Pipers Brook Tasmanian Jansz Single Vineyard Sparkling Chardonnay $120, an Italian Prendo Pino Grigio $65 and a Pewsey Vale (1961 Block) Eden Valley South Australian Riesling at $60.

To dine we are presented with a selection of 3 Set Menu’s ranging from $70, $85 and $100 per head. Click to view Set Menu Packages. Our host suggests we go banquet style, with hot seafood platters $110pp and crayfish to share (Market Price this day) at $75pp.

The seafood platter is a true Australia wide journey with oysters, soft shell crab, Moreton Bay bugs, scallops, grilled fish, scampi spring rolls, steamed mussels and more… The fresh Crayfish is divine, served steamed, chilled, medallion style, a truly delicious way to treat this delicacy of the sea.

To finish the table is awash with a mix of delightful desserts. Apple and rhubarb crumble with vanilla ice cream, Sticky Date Pudding with salted caramel sauce and honeycomb ice cream and White Chocolate Brûlée’ with chocolate coated strawberries (All $18). My feasting buddy & I settle for the Selection of cheeses with a delectable, house-baked fruit loaf ($25).

What a great way to complete a top crayfish feast in the heart of Melbourne’s City!

[PD] Says. “A great restaurant to enjoy a top crayfish feast in the heart of Melbourne’s City!”