I remember The Stoke house 30 years ago Poonton a great place to meet for all occasdions they serve a favourite of mine Aperol Spritz, the food is tasty, they provide rugs for those who feel the chill & one of the best vantage points to watch the sunset over St Kilda. I like it đâď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸
Great experience, food, view and staff. Perfect place to be on a sunny day!
Coolest place on the beach, good beer, good drinks and a very good dirty bird!
Great afternoon food and relax. Top service and the frozen rose was delicious đ
I'm sorry we didn't discover Pontoon sooner. Ok is right on the beach and has a great atmosphere. If you want to sit outside there are rugs to keep you warm. A great place for a beer. I didn't eat but the menu looked good.
If these photos don't prove just how fresh, bright and vibrant the food and environment at Pontoon, I'm not sure what will (except dining there). The Spanish-influenced menu offers so many great vegetarian and even vegan options including a dairy-free Catalan pizza on a chewy, salty base, patatas bravas (without the sauce) and wonderful charred leeks with romesco. The pumpkin is incredible in taste and presentation. A special of truffled mushroom croquettes also hit the spot. But the star of the show was the Basque cheesecake, which is rich but moussier than a standard cheesecake, and served with strong, alcohol-soaked cherries to cut through the creaminess. Add a soy flat white and you've got an incredible pair. I was dining in a duo, but Pontoon is also a large and pretty space that's great for groups.
Amazing location and beach view. Simple but stylish interior and outdoor settings. Food and service is good too. Recommend to go on a Sunday day and sitting outside and grab a drink and a bite.
Excellent location for drinks, arguably one of the best sunset spots in Melbourne. A little on the expensive side but well worth it considering the location.
Is a good place for summer, the table in this restaurant no matter where is the sit you can see the good view in any where. And the food is good, quickly good and the price is perfect.
It has taken us a while to get to this place as it is busy during the summer but am so pleased we finally did. The views are stunning as you are right on the beach and that is certainly a draw card. We were lucky that it wasnât busy when we got there so could choose a table right near the view. We ordered the pizza and special jalapeĂąo and pulled pork croquettes. A perfect combo. The pizza was one of the best I have had since arriving in Melbourne. It was a Tuesday so even better value for money. This is quickly going to become a new favorite place in St Kilda for me.
3 of us went for a late lunch. After some cafuffle with staff for a suitable table we ordered the lamb shoulder. It was a sunny afternoon so it was busy, and there's a bit of show off vibe from patrons there for a drink. But for us other than the initial arrival and seating the lunch was excellent.
We had the spot on crispy spiced eggplant chips with the aioli and slow cooked 12hr lamb shoulder which was cooked perfectly fine, is the best lamb shoulder I have never had, well done.
It's literally right on the beach so they had me at the view. I've ordered PORK AND FENNEL PINWHEEL SAUSAGE which was a bit salty so highly recommend to order a slice of bread or two on the side to get some balance. But then I'm at the beach so maybe it's meant to be salty. BEER BATTERED CHIPS were crunchy, potato creamy and the spices on top gave some nice punch. SUGARED DOUGHNUTS wasn't as good as it was described but enjoyed overall. I give this place 4 bears.
A great place for drinks during the day or night. Great food , amazing service , good range of cocktails, music is very good.
Right on the beach , beautiful view. Love this place!
We went for lunch at the beginning of winter - great setting and we managed to share a table inside. Good selection of drinks and food. The price seemed reasonable and then the food arrived and we realized why, the servings are pretty small but the food was tasty - fish and chips and Swordfish burger. Had desserts too which were also tasty and more generous in terms of portion size.
The lamb was some of the best I've ever eaten! Would have been perfect with a tabouli or Cypriot salad but the lettuce and radish one was still good with it. The popcorn chicken was tasty too with spicy mayo. I will definitely being going back to try more of the menu! The vibe on a Friday night after work was good too đ
Was pleasantly surprised by how good the food is at Pontoon. Stokehouse was all about location but this reinvention is much more than that. Delicious share plates and cocktail jugs packed full of flavour, in a trendy setting and of course with a great view. Only let down is the service which, on a not particularly busy Sunday night, was inattentive and pretentious.
Came for some drinks and nibbles. Had some chips, mixed salad with radish and lettuce and fried cauliflower. All were really nice! FrosĂŠ is pretty yum too!
Chronicles Of A Foodie
+4
@Pontoon St Kilda Beach
Nowhere better for a sunny Melbourne summers day for a few drinks and food with friends. I miss the old Stokehouse building and was devastated when it burnt down because I have so many memories of drinking downstairs and eating upstairs, it was an institution but this feels like a reinvention and itâs great!
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After several unsuccessful attempts to dine at Pontoon (it gets completely packed out if thereâs even a hint of sun) my time finally came for a work Christmas lunch, also known as we had a large group and were able to book. I was pleased to learn this was going under the company budget as we really went to town on the ordering effectively trying the entire menu (note zomato menu is not current). We started with popcorn chicken which was superbly seasoned and a few humble bowls of chips which were among some of the most sensational Iâve had. Super crunchy and delicious. We tried their three pizzas too and I thoroughly enjoyed the Margherita. The food was coming out at lightening speed so I applaud the kitchen for being able to keep up. The half rotisserie chicken and chips at $28 was excellent value and the 12 hour lamb shoulder was supremely succulent, which I fashioned into little mini wraps with the tzatziki and pita. At this point I was probably on my sixth pimms (which incidentally they have on tap) and was absolutely loving life. Iâm thinking what a perfect day, it canât get any better, good food, good drinks, not being in the office this is brilliant, and then we went outside. The atmosphere is just phenomenal out there. Inside or out youâll have a stellar view and itâs absolutely the perfect venue for summer. Overlooking the water, drink in hand, people watching- this is where youâll find me
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The rebirth downstairs of the Stokehouse called Pontoon has such a beautiful vibe. Itâs a casual bar and eatery. The bar is 5/5, perfect summer location for a trending Aperol sprits. If you love a beach view then this is your place. Finding a table is a mission and on a hot summers day or night plan in advance, get there early for a table or you could be standing as no one is moving. If you plan on eating then they do have a small section of about 8 tables that can be reserved. We booked in advance and had a table ready on arrival. We spent a lovely 5 hours drinking and eating. We were not asked to leave or rushed for the table, this made the experience so enjoyable and I was happy to splurge. If you donât go prepared and want to eat they also have spots at the bar ideal for a couple.
The initial service was a little slow but reasonable considering how busy it was. We were not in a hurry as the atmosphere was buzzing. We ordered crispy popcorn chicken, salt & pepper calamari, kingfish ceviche, rotisserie lamb, fish of the day which was salmon with corn salsa, Grain Salad, mushroom pizza, lemon mousse and chocolate tart for 2. The speed in which the dishes hit the table was surprising. They donât really have a specific order, you get it as itâs ready. If you like a distinct order then I recommend you order as you go or be prepared to get everything at once. The food was enjoyable the grain salad was definitely my favorite. The only thing that missed the mark was the kingfish lettuce taco. I felt it was drenched in Vinegar dressing and the delicate taste of kingfish was not there.
7 years ago my husband proposed the question at the stokehouse and I was devastated that it burnt down. Thank you for rebuilding, it was just as beautiful and i canât wait to spend more time here.
My 3 Key Pointers
. The drink list is amazing, why get a cocktail by the glass when you can get a jug
. Perfect spot to catch up with a group of friends
. You donât have to eat but why not nibble and drink, makes the experience so much better.
Arriving on a warm night from interstate we headed straight for the beach. It was really busy but we managed to find a table on the deck. Ordered at the counter and the food was brought over as it was made.
We started with a proseco and a lemon lime and bitters.
Soon after the calamari , and kingfish ceviche arrived- both were amazing!!!
Next to arrive was the mushroom pizza and the salad.
The pizza was laden with cheese so I just had one slice and my partner finished the rest. The salad was delicious- smoky, salty and more-ish. We went back for more drinks and the bar was busy so had to wait a while to get served.
A beautiful balmy night at the beach with food food.
In 2014, Stokehouse burnt down after a blaze broke out in the kitchen. It was a favourite of Melbournians, so when the site reopened in December 2016 it was no surprise how quickly everyone wanted to get back to their favourite beachside bar and restaurant - Stokehouse was then booked out from December to March 2017 in 24 hours.
On a perfect Wednesday afternoon we sat outside looking over the glass like bay. Sun was out and soaked up the chilled vibe while enjoy by some tasty food. The pulled pork plate was something special - perfect to share. And the chips w aioli were also tops.
Coffee was also on the money.
Great setup, friendly and relaxed staff.
Loved it!
Went here for date night during the time it first opened. Great busy vibe and atmosphere and nice crowd. Food was also tasty but a bit pricey. A great place for girls night, celebrations and to finish the week. Coming back soon
St Kilda beach views, great food. The newly built Pontoon under the Stoke house is a must to do..gourmet style pizza's, creative dishes, amongst the mix even the fussiest eater will find something they like.
Great view of the beach and comfortable and cosy seating. The food is excellent and the chef is great with smoked and woodfired dishes. We love the pizza, steak and broccolini. My toddler hates vegetables yet she ate all the chargrilled broccolini, it's just that tasty!
Pontoon was pumping out food and booze at a spectacular rate to the crowds when we stopped by on a gorgeous Melbourne autumn day. Aside from the rather uncomfortable chairs on beach level the rest of our experience was most enjoyable. Good food, an interesting beverage list and speedy service are what itâs all about at this beachside casual restaurant.
Yourmelbournefoodguide
+4
Great nibbles (chips are delicious) and cocktails! Always chilled and not too busy so you can actually hear your conversations đđ Perfect for a Sunday arvo! My fave: the 'Beached' cocktail.
Love this bar on the beach for a good drink and bite to eat! Drinks are very reasonably priced (10$ frose!!) and food is really good too. The vibe in the late afternoon turns into a party and the DJ is fantastic! Good fun in good weather with the outdoor seating overlooking the beach!
Really good food for the price. One pizza, one broccoli salad and one serving of lamb cigars and 2 delicious glasses of frose for $66..oh and a killer view. Great vibe and good music, feels like a mini holiday. Thanks Pontoon!
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mmmm.....
We went on Sunday. Turned up at 11:15am to kick off with a few drinks. Â However, they don't open until 12pm. Had to loiter in the entrance for 45 mins and we weren't allowed in until exactly 12pm.
I will forgive them for this.
However, I think that it is crappy that I have to collect my napkins; plates and knives and forks, for the amount of money that we shelled out for our lunch. Â It is more than a canteen and I believe that they are doing themselves a disservice. Why are they doing this???
After ordering (and paying) at the bar, the meals came out super speedily. Â They were beautifully presented and tasted exquisite. However the portions were on the smaller side. The chips were woeful. Almost embarrassing.
Too many people were up (not staff but patrons) ordering drinks or grabbing plates. It was busy and confusing.
I didn't feel like wanting to stay like we did in the old days at the original Stokehouse. I felt rushed. I felt the meal still going down my throat as I dodged cars across Jacka Boulevard back to the carpark.
I just dunno. Maybe a 3???
The old Stokehouse was my ultimate restaurant. This one........
We have been meaning to come in since the re-open and finely did yesterday evening.Â
loved the fit-out, cocktails, food offering and view!. We will be back soon to dine upstairs :)
It has been a while between drinks! New venue looks great. What's better than sitting looking at the water having a bevy and a bite with friends. Outside floor staff great, unfortunately bar service only when ordering. No F &C's even though they have a specific chippy? Charge a premium but serve the good stuff. Look forward to trying upstairs.
Very hard to rate. The location deserves a 5, but service is at about a 2 - no cutlery or napkins brought out with food, no one cleaning tables (it was Christmas Eve though and pretty busy). Plenty of beer on tap to choose from, including a few hard to find beers (Balter & Stone and Wood). Food was flavoursome and not your usual bar snacks.
Pontoon St Kilda Beach is the second out of three venues to open within the new Stokehouse Precinct and is more of a casual social space as opposed to the take-away fish and chip kiosk next door, and the finer dining restaurant upstairs.
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I think it is difficult to rate the entire experience as a whole because the venue itself is stunning. Â The large windows over looking the water is a perfect way to watch the sun go down. Â The tables for sharing meals with were great, except it was quite difficult to hear people talk. Â
Staff on the other hand, need to be upskilled in order to provide the best experience for patrons. Â We ordered sharing options for the table, which included pizzas, a couple of meat options and two salads, and when the staff were asked if this was enough, they said they were not sure. Â Â They were also asked for coffees and were told there was no milk and rather than just sending a team member up the street to get it to be able to make over 6 coffees, they just said no - they could provide soy coffees but that was it.
The pizzas came and were tiny for the price that was paid. Â The flavour was below average and the cheese on it looked as though it had been out of the oven for some time and left to sit. Â Whatever you do, don't order the pizzas!!! Â have anything but the pizzas. Â
Everything else was delicious - the steak was amazing, the chicken pieces so tender and perfectly cooked and the desserts were delicious.Â
Overall, the venue has a few teething problems but can only get better and ready for the massive summer rush. Â Looking forward to going back to better service next time.
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I said ' It'll get better.' It did.
Ok. It's still partly a construction site. But predictably, things much improved. Now you can run a bar tab and there seem to be more staff and a lot less frazzled. We had a brief lunch on a cool but sunny day. The smoked brisket toastie to start followed by a nice salami pizza. Pizza was good but blown away by the toastie. So much so, we had a further one for desert. Great draught beers but we also enjoyed an Otago Pinot ( Mount Edward ) at $78.
Staff a delight. And effective. A good afternoons lunch.
The Dec 2016 visit.
I loved the old Stokehouse. Mostly visiting upstairs, but occasionally brunch or lunch downstairs. I loved the place. Now about to open with the first soft opening of Pontoon, the casual downstairs part. You enter through what is still work in progress, so caution when entering and do avoid the incomplete construction.
Pontoon has been open only a couple of weeks, and for some strange reason, on a cold Melbourne early evening was very busy. Totally overwhelming the 2 guys behind the bar, who were expecting a quiet evening. They'll line out the staffing for sure as a 15 minute wait to order a couple of beers.....having said that, the entire F & B staff were friendly and professional. One big nit.....you cannot run a tab. So every time you go up, you pay in cash or card. Why not just start a tab and leave a card? I chatted with the staff who said 'management' decided not to have this option.
The food. Underspiced it is not. The prawns with fermented chilli were, if anything, too spicy. The chicken ribs were good, the lamb cigars very good and the sardines excellent. Pizza was OK with very good topping but a so so base. Prices are reasonable.
Everything tends to self serve. Order at the bar, get your own cutlery and paper napkins from the sideboard, get your own tap water.
The layout must have cost a small fortune. It has a definite seaside vibe ( duh ) and the outside deck would be perfect on a much warmer night.
The entire complex is huge. And reputedly expensive from a construction perspective. I'm convinced it'll be massively popular with the ownership pedigree and a fabulous location. I'm dying to try the upstairs Stokehouse when it opens in December, and watch the sun go down in the west.
This is my sort of place for a casual drink and something to eat. Lots of outdoor seating right on the beach good for people watching on a great summers day. No expense has been spared on the fit-out its incredible. We had the prawns which came out first and unfortunately they were way too spicy and I love spivey food, I could barely taste the chicken ribs and croquettes after that as my mouth was on fire but nothing a few beers can't wash down. Will be back over summer.
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Came here on Sunday of opening weekend. As expected it is a well oiled machine. Too many times you go somewhere on opening weekend (or month even) and it's a balls up, this on the other hand was like clock work.
We sat at a table that was overlooking the bay on some comfy cushions. The weather was overcast this day, none the less it was still nice to be by the water.
This is a casual dining experience where you order and pay for your drinks and food at the bar, then your food is then delivered to your table, whilst drinks collected at bar.
We ordered 4 plates for lunch to share, king prawns, smoked sweet potato with yoghurt, croquettes and chicken ribs. Everything was spot on. The King prawns had a massive kick to them so shall we order them again, we'll ask to end on them as the flavour was pretty intense! Still delicious though! All washed down with an Aperol Spritz and Cold Tap Beer.
I'm sure this place is going to smash it as soon as the weather smartens up! Glad we got to come before this happens and we'll certainly come back. A really cool, beachy, casual atmosphere.
Ben Silapasupakornwong
+5
Come here a couple of times over the past year and food is terrific! Plates are presented beautifully and the produce is clearly respected by the team of chefs. Pasta made in house and you can taste it in each spoonful. Coal charred meats and thoughtful plates to compliment the amazing not so flat bread always make me come back.
Cocktails are pretty good too.
Absolutely returning here and will do so many times!
Good with cracking flavours, seafood and nibbles and antipasto and liquid desserts ⌠seriously, what more can I want!
Sunset dinner this evening was beautiful and the hospitality, service and kitchen was just on point!
Had some really nice small dishes as entrĂŠs here at Ponton, especially the tomatoes and the not so flat bread. The ponton-star martini was really yummy as well Iâd definitely recommend it! The only disappointing thing was the lack of flavour in our mains (schnitzel and crab spaghetti lacked seasoning). Oh and btw, you need to order at the bar if you sit on the patio
Super friendly staff made us feel very welcomed. Food was excellent. Really enjoyed our experience and will be back again soon for sure!
Lovely welcoming staff from start to finish, food was lovely and we felt relaxed and enjoyed our Mothers Day very much. Thank you team - well done!
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đ Woodfired Bread
đ Burrata, Zucchini, Lemon
đ Charred Octopus, Capsicum
đ Hot Chips
đ Tortiglioni Eggplant Ragu
đ Kingfish Crudo, Orange
đ Cod Croquettes
Pontoon has itself a prime location, housed in the bottom level of the Stokehouse building right on the St Kilda Beach foreshore. It offers sweeping views, friendly service and an exciting Mediterranean food and beverage menu.
On offer is a âPontoon Experienceâ sharing menu at $80pp where odd numbers can eat for FREE đą. We went for the A La Carte which included an impressive Antipasto selection as well as pastas, mains from the fire and of course desserts.
The Woodfired Bread was amazing, perfect for their delicious Burrata which I can never go passed. Kingfish I prefer when itâs finely sliced but I still enjoyed it along with the Cod Croquettes. The Charred Octopus was so beautiful and tender.
The only dish that dissapointed was the Eggplant Ragu pasta, sadly it was very salty and overcooked. I would absolutely recommend Pontoon for an Antipasto lunch or even sunset drinks and people watching on the deck. đ
âď¸ 4/5 (Great)
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