Dexter
456 High St, Preston VIC 3072
0399733577
American
$$$
Food
- Hot Meat Donut
- Buffalo Fried Chicken Burger
- Smoked Beef Brisket
- Sweet n Sour Cauliflower
The Good
Hot Meat Donut was aย total showstopper. The outer shell was slightly crisp and sweet, giving way to a fluffy, spongy interior filled with spicy, flavourful meat. Itโs a bold, unique marriage of sweet and savoury that actually works.
Buffalo Fried Chicken Burger featured a batter with a seriously satisfying crunch. The chicken itself was succulent and tender, but the real winner was the Nori and Japanese mayo slaw, which added a brilliant fusion twist.
Smoked Beef Brisket was cooked to perfection. It wasn’t “mushy” soft. Instead, it held its shape but remained super tender, breaking apart easily with every bite. The accompanying mash was rich and creamy, providing the ultimate comfort food pairing.
Sweet n Sour Cauliflower was totallyย sleeper hit. The soy and lemon sauce delivered a tangy, savoury punch, while the miso mayo added a deep umami layer that complimented the lightly crisp florets.
The Mediocre
While the Pickled Slaw served with the brisket was crisp and perfectly lightly pickled, the portion size was a bit stingy. We definitely could have done with a larger heap to cut through the richness of the meat.
The Bad
Honestly? Nothing. Dexter is doing something distinct enough that even the “risky” dishes landed well.
The Verdict
It’s no surprise Dexter is still standing after all these years. Itโs a delicious and very unique take on the genre, pivoting away from traditional expectations to deliver something much more creative. If you’re bored of standard brisket trays, this is your new local.
Would Penguin Eat Again?
Yes.