Asha — Restaurant in Adelaide

Wow!

Thank you again Mel and co., food yum! Drinks; tasty, smart. The folks looking after us, brilliant, just brilliant! Popped in mid week during the Fringe, yet we had a crowd of people by the end of the dinner experience we had, and you feel it as the place is compact yet has plenty of ways to welcome you. The atmosphere did need some tinkering, don’t know how. Bubbles was our starting drink, tipper crisp Australian sparkles, clean in the pallet, tank transfer method which leaded brilliantly into a fresh oyster, S.A, sea bed farmed in Linky-Dink; Pt. Lincoln, shucked and sent out with a slap of pomegranate granita, clever!! Knew i was in for a meal, sipped back a dbl espresso, yummy on their compact shiny machine. Then onto the meal; kick it off with a fresh hummus, ciabatta, fresh and soft, no need for toasting, house blend dukkuh spice; cumin, toasted sesame, pepper, subtle fennel or caraway seeds. Fresh little pan fried and soft breads plated up with a soft and tenderly cooked eggplant, fresh flavour of onion, tomato and sweet touches of slower cooked eggplant, good touch on the garnish for texture. Sweet spiced and crunchy duck rolls just melted in the mouth, kick for crunch in the experience from the Kataifi like pastry and almonds, and the fragrance of hot duck that is cozy with spice, sweetness and its soft yet chewful fillings. Salmon, fresh and buttery, so much so that it floats on a bed of avocado, springs of dill, crunches of cucumber, all while also floating on the pallet. Fresh and simple, beautiful and happy plating, just fun to eat. Crisp crunches, soft velvets, subtle flavours with sharp turns, a fresh green salad you want to eat with no envy. Familiar flavours with simple yet warming memories of humble foods; beans, yoghurt, crunchy nuts, olives, say no more. The main course: with no ego, superb through and through. Chicken mind you, usually a simple and uncomplicated dish to serve on the menu; this was not simple or uncomplicated, a little daring and very fruit full. The cut of a supreme is uncommon and yet here perfect in presenting in the dish. Although we had eaten lots of toasted bits of seed and nuts throughout the menu, here is was familiar and exciting while fitting well. A sweet, fresh and fruitful jus style sauce lifted the chicken again even further, while also being cooked exceptionally. Another humble salad with also another story to tell, bold crumbly flatbread style piece of crouton stood out but the tomatoes and balsamic was remembered...

The atmosphere of a space plays such a key role in creating an intimate dining experience, and I was thrilled to discover Asha just around the corner from our home. We went for the first time last night, and it was simply magnificent. The food, the service, and the overall experience were exceptional.

The lighting was perfect, creating a warm and inviting ambiance, while the high-back, fabric stools were incredibly comfortable—a small detail that made a big difference. When my husband and I saw the choices on the 3- or 4-course menu, I honestly struggled to pick just one or two options from each section because everything sounded so enticing. The good news is that we’ll definitely be going back to try the dishes we couldn’t fit in this time.

We started with some of the freshest, plumpest oysters I’ve ever had, with a delightful hint of mandarin oil. That was followed by the creamiest white bean dip and homemade Turkish bread. For starters, we had falafel and a Middle Eastern pancake topped with rich, smoky eggplant. Each bite was bursting with flavor.

Our entrée was a generous plate of Middle Eastern-spiced grilled king prawns and beautifully tender sous-vide octopus, charred just enough to be perfectly moist and placed atop a subtly oily sauce that complemented the seafood perfectly.

For the main course, we shared half a roasted chicken—moist, succulent, and paired with caramelized roasted vegetables that were cooked to perfection. And then came the dessert: one of the most delicious cakes I’ve ever tasted. It was a moist, oil-based cake topped with mascarpone, halva crumble, and vibrant slices of blood orange. Absolutely divine.

Though we were pleasantly full, we couldn’t resist finishing with a cheese platter. Despite the generous portions throughout the meal, we felt satisfied, not overstuffed—such a refreshing change from other dining experiences where I’ve felt uncomfortably full by the end.

Throughout the evening, we enjoyed sparkling wine by the glass, with our host recommending the perfect pairings for each course. Next time, I’ll definitely try the pomegranate spritzer that I saw one of the owners (Will) mix with such ease and a smile.

Having dined at some of Melbourne's best Middle Eastern fine dining spots, I’m over the moon to have found this cozy, intimate gem right here on Goodwood Road. We’ll be...

Great to see Scott and Mel back at the helm and nailing it at Asha. We were a group of five so managed to work our way through a considerable amount of the menu. Scott is clearly back in his element putting his no nonsense spin on tradition Middle Eastern fare. There was absolutely nothing our group didn’t enjoy but a couple of standouts were the herb falafel, eggplant, lamb rump and the olive oil cake - but you seriously can’t go wrong with any dish. As usual, Mel has curated a thoughtful and robust wine list that gives a respectful nod to local wines whilst offering plenty in the way of international varietals. Service was excellent as always and the fitout they have done is warm and cosy with unpretentious class. Do yourself a favour and get to...