The much-anticipated new Vietnamese eating-house, St Cloud, has arrived in Hawthorn, just in time for summer. Brought to us by hospitality dream team James Klapanis (Quaff), Shaunn Anderson (Feast of Merit) and Head Chef Franky Pham (Feast of Merit, K.O.T.O and Pots n Pans in Vietnam), harbouring 30 years of hospitality experience. St Cloud believes in honest food values, focusing on locally sourced seasonal produce, all wrapped up in a ferociously fresh Vietnamese setting.
Located on Burwood Road in Hawthorn, a former multi-level furniture store has been re-lifted with the assistance of Interior Designer Elle Critchley (Lady Carolina, Feast of Merit). Expect a bustling hawker style street vibe on the ground level, or retreat from the daily grind up on level one where crisper, calmer hues and rooftop garden offer sanctuary.
St. Cloud’s authentic Vietnamese menu nods to tradition with a healthy and modern philosophy to suit Melbourne’s discerning restaurant market. The majority of dishes are gluten free with many ‘clean’ and vegan-friendly options throughout the St. Cloud menu. St Cloud will proudly showcase the best in locally sourced produce, thereby supporting Victorian farmers and the families behind their labels.
On weekends, breakfast will be a selection of creative dishes straight from the market. For lunch, diners can choose from a range of delicious and wallet friendly favourites such as Pho (beef, chicken, vegetarian), Rice Paper Rolls (beef & betel leaf, prawn & pork belly, fried tofu) and Banh Mi baguettes rotated daily, all for under $13.
Dinner presents something more sophisticated, entrees include Banh Knot, turmeric and coconut pancakes with pork belly and shrimp, and BBQ Scallops with charred spring onion, black bean and crisp lap xuong dressing. Larger share plates include Vung Tau, grilled organic chicken, watercress, herbs, chilli and mustard vinaigrette and Spicy Braised Eggplant with tofu and mushrooms in a clay pot.
St Cloud’s sensational cocktail list features Vietnamese twists on classic favourites, such as the Viet Express with house spiced rum, drip coffee and coconut milk served with candied black sesame, or the Son Tra Colada with hibiscus infused golden rum, pineapple syrup and coconut cream served in a fresh coconut. Staying true to their ideals, wine and craft beer remain Australian except for a few selections.
Exceptional drinks of the non-alcoholic variety are also available, cold pressed juices come from Greene St Juice Co., coffee from at St. Ali, as well as a variety of clean homemade slushies on rotation. St Cloud is the new place this summer for a fresh, healthy and affordable dining experience.
St Cloud, 644 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn East
Opening hours: Tues-Fri 11.30am-late Sat-Sun 10am-late
