Peacock Gardens

Peacock Gardens is the place to go for a perfect crab omelette ($37.80). Laden with fresh crab meat, this silky mound of delicately cooked egg is best accentuated with a whisker of the on-table chilli sauce. You’ll find this stately Cantonese restaurant in Crows Nest, where it has been delighting locals since 1975. This longevity is easy to understand when you examine the wine list, which includes a premium list from key producers here and over the ditch including Lakes Folly, Felton Road and By Farr. For this spontaneous midweek foray, I chose the 2021 Giant Steps M3 Chardonnay ($49/half bottle) from an exceptional 25-strong Chardonnay list. It suited mustard king prawns ($37.80)—a local specialisation—made using hot or mild English mustard. We opted for hot, and enjoyed its sharp, wasabi-like bite against the accompanying deep-fried kale. You’ll find the engaged and personable floor team will prevent white tablecloth spillage by serving up your special combination fried rice ($22.80) for you. Both the rice and the crisp mixed vegetables ($23.80) we used to round out our meal were technically well-handled. While Peacock Gardens is more expensive than other local Cantonese restaurants I’ve tried, it is the whole package.

Really wanted to give this place a five star as the food tasted great and the ambience was nice and graceful, but the service was just not the greatest (especially by the older gentleman) given the price and the class. Maybe they are understaffed on the weekends, maybe they have always been like that. Also, when we asked to take away our remaining food, they put all dishes into one box, which I know is an eco thing to do, but just completely ruins the flavor of each dish. With that being said, if you want to enjoy Chinese food in a nice and neat environment, and do not mind the price and the less responsive service, this place is recommended.

Such a shame to see this place being run by people who don’t like customers and would prefer to be anywhere but in this restaurant that means so much to so many. I’ve been coming here for many decades with dozens of Melb Cup and Chinese New Year amazing memories. My recent visit I just watched sour and energy draining service which of course effects the whole experience and the food. There was only one saving grace in a room that lacked any atmosphere and that was Davida 😇👏🏻