Claremont Tonic roars to life

No, Claremont Tonic isn’t a new mixer you add to Bombay Sapphire, it’s the new place from Davis Yu, the 22 year old restauranteur who seems to be giving George Colombaris a run for his money when it comes to venues. Except Yu likes neon a lot more.

Opening today, you can spot the new South Yarra restaurant by the glowing neon tiger on the door. Inside the party continues, with an Asian-inspired, retro menu divided into sections like Land & Sea, Large Format and Happy Endings.

Yu, who owns Touche Hombre and The Millswyn, is clearly a chap who likes bringing a bit of fun to dining and has come up a playful menu featuring some tits and dishes with titles like Flied Plawn (fried toast with whipped shrimp and lemon, $8) and Ox Tongue-in-Cheek (ox tongue, ox cheek, daikon, ong chi, smoked potato and king browns $32).

But while the names (and tits) might be funny the kitchen’s serving up some serious food, the King of the Chimichangas – raw king salmon, nori tacos and box of condiments ($19) is an adventurous take on the Mexican staple, while the Yakuza Yuz Sorbet – cold sake, yuzu amd lemon jelly cubes ($12) is made on site.

For those wanting the complete retro Asian dining experience there’s even custard tarts, baked to order and soon they’ll be yum cha lunches too. Plus the neon tiger.

Charlie Sheen would approve.

CLAREMONT TONIC
15A Claremont St & Yarra Lane, South Yarra
9827 0399
Tues to Sat 6pm till late
claremont-tonic.com.au