Pinchy's Lobster & Champagne Bar

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is a seafood lover's dream. Located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, this restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious seafood dishes, as well as an extensive range of champagne and cocktails.

Pinchy's was inspired by the coastal setting of San Sebastian, Spain. The founders, Jeremy and Samara, wanted to create a restaurant that would evoke the memories of seaside holidays and long lunches with friends.

Committed to sustainable sourcing all of Pinchy's seafood is sourced from sustainable fisheries in Australia, Canada and the USA (Maine and Alaska). This ensures that the seafood is of the highest quality and that it is harvested in a way that is both sustainable and ethical.

Pinchy's goal is to make the finer flavours in life more accessible, encouraging their guests to enjoy shared dishes in a casual style. Whilst we were comfortable in our attire of smart tops and dark jeans, there were also customers in formal wear obviously celebrating a finer occasion and others in jeans and t-shirts equally fitting in. We found the atmosphere at Pinchy's to be casual and relaxed with a stylish and inviting interior, awash in pinks and blush hues in everything from the velour banquette seating to the neon lobster claw presiding over the dining space. The bubble chandelier is rose gold, and even the terrazzo on the tabletops has soft pink overtones.

The restaurant has a large outdoor balcony that is perfect for an alfresco vibe. The service was also excellent, and the staff were attentive and happy to help us choose the perfect dishes and cocktails.

The lobster roll is the signature dish at Pinchy's; our server called it their unofficial 'crown prince', and it is definitely worth ordering. The Canadian lobster was fresh and juicy, and the mayonnaise was perfectly seasoned. The roll is also toasted to perfection, and it just melts in your mouth. This also came with a gluten-free alternative that did not disappoint.

If you're not in the mood for lobster, Pinchy's also has a great selection of other seafood dishes. We tried the seven-course tasting menu which included a beetroot and gin-cured salmon on homemade flatbread, caesar salad tartlet with smoked kingfish, king crab taco with avocado mousse, tuna tartare with yuzu kosho, prawn katsu with togarashi remoulade, a creative bespoke take on fish 'n' chips with seared Murray cod and potato gallet, and finishing with the "crown prince" himself, Pinchy's lobster roll with chilled Canadian lobster.

Second only to the lobster roll, hubby and I agreed that our next favourite was definitely the prawn katsu. The prawn katsu is a crispy, golden-brown patty made with crumbed prawns. The prawns are juicy and flavourful, and the crumbing is light and airy. The betel leaf adds a touch of freshness and bitterness, while the togarashi remoulade provides an essence of spiciness and umami. The Davidson plum gel is sweet and sour, and it helps to cut through the richness of the prawn katsu. The overall flavour of the prawn katsu is complex and well-balanced. The different flavours complemented each other perfectly and the dish is both refreshing and satisfying.


In addition to the food, Pinchy's also has a nearly 50-page selection of wines, champagne and cocktails. They have everything from affordable sparkling wines to rare vintage champagnes. The cocktails are also creative and delicious, and they are perfect for pairing with seafood. I enjoyed a cheeky "Pinch Me, I'm in Love" cocktail made with cucumber-infused tequila, watermelon juice, rose agave, lime, soda and prosecco (pictured).


Overall, is a great place to go for a delicious meal with friends or for a special occasion. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is lively and the service is top-notch.

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