After closing for renovations earlier this year, Pontoon – the downstairs beach club of St Kilda’s Stokehouse restaurant – has returned to its roots, re-emerging as casual Mediterranean eatery, Stokehouse Pasta and Bar.
The new venue is taking a more relaxed approach to dining, with a focus on high-quality produce and premium service. Owner Frank van Haandel’s two sons Hugh and Pete are at the helm, and worked together at the venue earlier in life. They bring a keen excitement to the project, and are on a mission to bring back what the venue has historically been known for: all-day dining, flavoursome food and good vibes.
The updated interiors give off a subtle coastal aesthetic – think soft whites, plenty of light and warm timber features. The commitment to sustainability throughout the refurbishment has seen the entire venue be awarded a five-star ‘Australian Excellence’ Green Star Design and As Built Rating earlier this year.
Stokehouse executive chef Jason Staudt and Stokehouse Pasta and Bar’s head chef Brendan Anderson are in charge of the kitchen, serving up classic Stokehouse dishes with a more casual feel. Though the menu is led by pasta – including a classic spaghetti with crab and chilli – there are snacks and share plates aplenty. Munch on gnocco fritto served with jamon, mortadella, salami and pickles, or feast on a 600g whole Murray cod with a rich pepperonata sauce and crispy chips.
Dietaries are well catered for, with a hefty selection of veg-friendly dishes like asparagus with lemon and pangrattato, grilled zucchini with a burst of stracciatella and butter lettuce with lashings of mustard and citrus. Pastry chef Ash Smith will keep all the sweet tooths happy with dishes like a classic ice cream sundae, fresh cannoli with ricotta and pistachio and a tiramisu that serves as a homage to the famed Stokehouse bombe Alaska.
When it comes to drinks, what’s unique about the offering is that all bottles of wine are priced at $79, encouraging diners to step outside of their comfort zones and try something new. Group sommelier Wil Martin has carefully selected a healthy combination of traditional classics and experimental skin contacts and pèt nats. If you’re feeling a little more playful, opt for the Stokehouse Spritz featuring amaro, white peach, jasmine soda and orange.
Though some were sad about the end of Pontoon, you can guarantee Stokehouse Pasta and Bar brings with it a welcome refresh to the foreshore and a dedicated offering of honest food.
Stokehouse Pasta and Bar is open seven days a week from noon until late, and bookings are available online.