Emilia reviews: An unassuming Indonesian restaurant in an old church hall

When you think Indonesian you don’t really think of a Christian church… but tucked in next to the United Church on High Street Northcote, this unassuming Indonesian restaurant boasts a gorgeous outdoor area amongst pomegranate trees and the quaint kitchen and restaurant in the converted church hall. Tall ceilings and walls of windows tell the story of its roots while giving mum and pop style Indo/Balinese food.

The menu is full of Indo classics like rendang, nasi goreng, gado gado, laksa as well as some Balinese favourites like bebek Bali (duck curry).

We tried a mix of both to get a gauge of what they had to offer. We had to start with the obvious choice – even you’d love this one Jimmy; satay ayam and lumpia sayur (spring rolls). They nailed even the simplest dishes from the very start, the charcoal satay sticks were the perfect amount of charcoal. The spring rolls had vermicelli noodles inside, crispy outside and are handmade by Yuni (you can tell they’re handmade in the best way).

Then we tried a couple of curries, the rendang was iconic but the show stopper was the bebek Bali which literally means ‘dirty duck’. It’s a traditional Balinese dish bursting with flavour, perfectly succulent, slow cooked half duck. 

Another must try is the kway teow is a flat rice noodle dish, often it’s seen in Cantonese stir-fries or Singaporean hawker dishes. We got it with the banana prawns; they were fresh and juicy and the perfect addition to the smokey, spicy noodles.

If I was a bottomless pit I definitely would have gotten the laksa as well, it has the markings of becoming a new, regular takeaway choice.

They offered soft drinks from their fridge or you can bring BYO from home or the bottle-o across the road.

Yuni’s was such a special place. It felt homemade, fresh, full of flavour. The restaurant felt intimate but relaxed and the outdoor area might be the perfect spot for any last sunshine filled afternoon with a couple of BYO vinos. It’s the perfect place to gather with mates or a chill night with your partner.

The prices were super reasonable – average $20 for most mains with the exception of a couple of the bigger dishes. Plenty of vegan and vegetarian options as well as loads of gluten free choices.  

There’s a number of great bars along the High Street strip if you want to go for a drink afterwards. Wesley Anne is across the road, within 100m there’s also the Peacock Inn, Francesca’s Bar, Buck Mulligans – some fabulous spots for a drop.

Yuni’s Kitchen
251 High Street, Northcote 3070
yuniskitchen.com.au