Firebird

Firebird Restaurant Prahran is a standout among Vietnamese restaurants in Melbourne. Known for blending Vietnamese flavors with modern Australian ingredients, it offers a memorable dining experience.

One of the must-try dishes is the prawns ($42), served with crispy Vietnamese-style rice and a flavorful lemongrass sauce. The dish is elevated with shellfish bisque, creating a rich seafood flavor.

Firebird, part of the Commune Group that also owns popular spots like Hanoi Hannah and Moonhouse, first opened its doors in 2020. The restaurant features a long, cozy room with plants and warm lighting, where an open kitchen showcases open-flame cooking. Originally led by chef Steven Ngo, the kitchen is now in the hands of Nabil Ansari, who brings his own style to the Vietnamese-style menu. Ansari, known for his time at Sunda and his Indian pop-up restaurants, has kept some classic dishes while adding his own creations.

On the menu, you'll still find well-known items like the scotch quail eggs ($9 each) and the smoked dry-aged duck ($54 for half or $106 for whole). However, Ansari’s new dishes are also gaining attention.