MPD Steak Kitchen adds some sizzle to the Southside dining scene with the opening of their new Caulfield venue.
Berwick fave MPD has been pleasing diners since they first opened in 2016, so it’s no surprise their latest venture, the sister venue MPD Steak Kitchen Caulfield, is generating a serious buzz with Melbourne steak fans.
Beefing up dining options in the Southeastern Suburbs, MPD Steak Kitchen Caulfield offers up fresh, seasonal produce that is sourced locally to showcase Victoria’s finest producers and growers. With Executive Chef Chris Bonello at the helm, MPD Steak Kitchen Caulfield embraces classic steak house cuisine with a modern twist and a smart casual dining setting that makes it the perfect spot for a family celebration, date night, or just a great feed.
The venue aesthetic itself blends traditional steak house elements – subtle cowhide details and bovine inspired art – with modern styling with rich, deep jewel tones contrasted with earthy wooden elements that create a space that is unique and sophisticated, while still maintaining an irreverent sense of humour (meat cleaver door handles and golden cows, anyone?)
With steak being the star of the show at MPD Steak Kitchen, Bonello has installed a Josper grill in the venue’s state-of-the-art kitchen to ensure that every steak served is cooked to perfection.
The steaks themselves have been carefully curated by Bonello for the venue, and diners can look forward to feasting on O’Connor’s, King Island, and in-house aged Cape Grim steaks, as well as the famous Mayura Station and Sher Wagyu.
With sustainability and ethical sourcing at the heart of the venue’s mission, each steak has been carefully selected for its quality from field to table. “When we select a producer to feature on our menu we find out every single detail for the full life span of the animal, from what it eats to what happens right up until it gets delivered to us,” said Bonello. “That’s the only way to ensure what we are serving the customer is the best it can be”.
This holistic approach to produce sourcing was evident when we visited the venue, with knowledgeable wait staff happy to walk us through each dish, its origins, and the techniques used.
While steak is obviously an absolute standout at MPD Steak Kitchen Caulfield, some of our other favourite dishes were the Steak Tartare – high-quality steak served raw and lightly seasoned, with house-made crisps and a perfectly prepared 63° egg yolk that adds a deliciously creamy finish – as well as the Japanese roasted pumpkin served with spiced yogurt, and the Wagyu burger with truffle mayo that is the ultimate in indulgent comfort food.
To finish off, we tried the Apple Tarte Tartin with vanilla ice cream – a decadent combo of flaky pastry with perfectly caramelised edges providing the perfect nest for luscious quenelles of ice cream and a sweet and warm muddle of baked apple – and the Opera Slice with coffee “snow” that employs a little bit of science to be a nitrogen fuelled show stopper that delivers both in flavour and theatrics.
MPD Steak Kitchen Caulfield is a must-do for any steak-loving Melbourne foodie. Find the restaurant at 25 Derby Road, Caulfield East. Learn more and book your spot here.