Docklands is known to many as the dead zone. I’ve often heard people say there’s no where to good go, nothing good to do and nowhere good to eat - the people who have said the last part obviously haven’t been to Neo Lemonade. Neo Lemonade serves up an exquisite modern Australian menu in a venue that has casual but still professional Melbourne-modern (thanks to the fluro pink neon sign adorning one wall) vibe.
Shout out to Neo Lemonade for replacing my whole soy chai latte when they spilled a TINY BIT on the plate while placing it down... their dedication to a flawless experience was beyond exceptional.
Ordered:
🥑 Smashed avo: poached eggs, parmesan crisp, lemon and garlic puree, watermelon radish, seed mix ($18.00)
Review:
Neo Lemonade's smashed avo was a level up from the plain variety. The seed mix on in the avo added more colour with salt & texture in each bite.
The parmesan crisp were to die for 🙌!
Poached eggs were also prefectly done. Runny golden yolks 🤤.
A cautious note: service took a while (even in the early hours of the morning) so ensure you've planned for enough time.
Atmosphere was pretty open and relaxed. Perhaps no one else was dining in that early, but it seemed very spacious with a smattering of modern decor.
Standing out from the concrete jungle with pink neon lights, Neo Lemonade is a bold contender putting the Docklands’ food scene back on the map. The restaurant and cocktail bar brings modern Australian dining to a whole new level with high quality dining and an inventive cocktail list to match.
Named after owner Steven Belkovski’s children Leo and Lennon (nicknamed Neo and Lemon), the modern joint dares to be different with geometric artwork, clean lines and touches of greenery. The relaxed ambience and curated cocktail and wine lists make it a choice watering hole for locals and visitors. With a neo-twist on old world flavours, the expert bar staff whip up delightful concoctions, like the refreshing Barbados cocktail, blended with grapefruit juice, Irish whisky, lemon, ginger syrup, egg white and cinnamon.
The food menu offers seasonal, locally-sourced produce featuring Australian native herbs. Head Chef, Francisco Arbelo, prides himself on mastering the complexity and elegance of unique flavour combinations, including the popular Poached Snapper cooked in a smoked broth, shallots, peas and chorizo. Smart, clean tasters and share plates contrast with the richer, large dishes, creating perfect balance for all tastes and appetites. The Squid Ink Fettucine is a striking vision, complete with fired roasted capsicum, octopus and lemon pangrattato. The distinctive flavours of the Passionfruit and Kaffir Lime Crémeux, with raspberry, sable and cardamom mascarpone, are particularly intriguing – another must-try dish for the brave and daring.
Will come back for:
+ Wagyu Burger
Dropped into this new cafe for a bite of lunch and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food. I had the Wagyu burger that was juicy, tender and came with a serve of perfectly fried chips. Service took a little longer then expected but really can’t complaint about the food. Will be back to try out some of the other choices.
The Beauty Of Melbourne
+5
This place is a hidden gem! I normally avoid Docklands like the plague but it’s definitely worth a visit. Beautiful restaurant setting & we’ll refined food & cocktails at reasonable prices. Highly recommend.
Great coffee and great food - the menu is perfect for a quick healthy lunch at work.
The vibe is great and the atmosphere is welcoming and great for after work drinks.
Definitely would recommend if you work/live in the Docklands.
Neo Lemonade is a relative newcomer to the Docklands dining scene. Located near the business precinct along Collins Street, it’s only a short tram ride from Southern Cross Station and a few minutes walk from South Wharf.
Visiting on a Saturday at lunchtime we ordered the neo green tea granola and a Reuben sandwich along with an iced matcha and an Acai smoothie to drink.
Everything we ordered came out beautifully presented. I had the neo green tea granola which is served with orange blossom labneh, strawberries and dark chocolate. I enjoyed the hint of green tea flavour in the granola and loved the winning combination of dark chocolate and strawberries.
For those of you seeking a great sandwich then check out the Reuben. This classic served with pastrami, Dijon, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, pickles and sourdough bread was superb.
Although I don’t frequent the Docklands all that often, this would be the perfect spot for a caffeine fix or after work drinks if I happened to live or work nearby. Overall I had a lovely experience at Neo Lemonade and give them ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5. Thanks very much for having me.
This beautiful restaurant is right along stunning Docklands. I love the way this cafe is designed, very spacious with lots of room for a pram.
The food here is on point! The portion sizes were perfect and the taste was amazing. I also have to say I no longer crave a coffee for breakfast. I expect a cocktail every morning now! 😂
I wish I lived in Docklands because I would love to be able to come here every morning!
Speaking as a local, the best breakfast in Docklands, good coffee, great prices, lovely staff, my daily and weekend regular now. Run, don't walk!
This place not only looks the part but tastes the part. Not only does the food look amazing it tastes even better!! Very gram worth dishes! I could not fault anything other than the fact I couldn’t stop eating!! Padre coffee was perfect! The cocktails where superb! Amazing wine list to boot. Super cool interior, amazing styling. No corners cut here! This place is 5 stars all the way. Cant wait to go back!!
Wandered in for lunch and found a really lovely space and friendly staff where you can hear yourself and others at the table. The food was delicious and with good portion sizes. While a little pricey for some dishes, it was well worth it. A great once-a-week lunch place.
I came across this place by accident and have been back twice, once for drinks and once for lunch. I don’t write many reviews but Neo Lemonade is worth it. It has a slick and stylish interior, but feels like an intimate and inviting space. The owner even introduced himself and a hung out a little which was a nice touch. The food was generous and full of flavour. Washed down with a strong half latte, exactly as ordered. Cocktails flow on a Friday night, and the vibe was chilled but staff attentive and friendly. Grazing plates excellent. The Docklands area is beginning to boom, so make this place a must if you’re down that way.
Food is pretty good. Service is better. Its a bit pricey for a lunchtime meal but great for a lunch function at work. Also the coffee here is really good. Im keen to try some other dishes.
Really pleased to find a great local bar so close to work. Lovely wines, amazing service. Looking forward to enjoying some post-work drinks here! Love the personalisation and attention to detail, and lengths they go to to create a great vibe.
Best food in Docklands. Seriously incredible menu which includes ingredients such as wattle seeds, fish roe, ravens creek pork, snapper…. all used to cover a scrumptious menu divided into chapters: snacks, sandwiches, burgers & “larger meals”….& of course great coffee and made to order cocktails. A very unique quality establishment in this Precint. I was too engrossed in my food to take photos! Please visit! This place is awesome!
Solid cafe and the best open on a weekend in Docklands (2018).
Great brunch vibes, with healthy menu.
Staff a super friendly as well. Like, I dropped my phone in the meal while taking the photo and someone just brought me a new napkin before I finished cleaning avocado off the screen :)
It’s great to find a place like this open on weekends in Docklands. It’s even greater the food and coffee are excellent and the staff is very friendly. The breakfast took a little while longer than expected but proved to be worth the wait. It will probably attract more Instapeople than I’d like but we’ll definitely go back regardless.
What a beautiful restaurant and staff. Had a delightful night, felt loved on by the wonderful Hostess 'May' and I suspect the Owner/Bar Tender. Shout out to the 2 Chefs who made a custom meal for me. Enjoyed a lovely Tassie wine, the meal was delicious. The night was intimate and special and we can't wait to return. The wonderful Espresso Martini's topped off the night!
Amazing food, super friendly staff and lovely venue.
I can’t recommend highly enough!
I’ll be coming back 😍
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes