LuMi Dining was only a few weeks old when I visited on a sunny Saturday for lunch. I’m easily influenced by photos that people post on Instagram, and my strong desire to visit LuMi was thanks to chef Sam Young (@bigsamyoung) who I had met earlier this year at Minus 8 Underground.

LuMi is furnished to a minimalist theme with pops of green and purple – it’s pretty much what I’d like my dream house to look like. There’s an open vibe, mostly thanks to the glass walls, allowing for a picture-perfect view of Pyrmont Bay.

Highlights of the 3-course lunch menu are the eggplant with tempura and pistachio in an umami-heavy broth and the amazing Italian chawanmushi that’s so delicate I could cry. While the stinging nettle chitarra with mussel cream and crunchy pork is bursting with flavor, I’m slightly overwhelmed by the saltiness. People with a palate for rich and savory will love it though. The pig jowl is refined and balanced with punchy, acidic notes coming from the draped sheet of pickled celeriac.

Our dessert is the embodiment of sexy. The ice cream is made from Country Valley milk, accompanied by a citrusy sabayon and plump cherries. For $49 the 3-course lunch menu is stupefyingly good value. Even better value is the 8-course deg for $89. Before I forget, we also tried a couple of the cocktails, which were awesomely refreshing and delicious. But I can’t remember the names – soz.

LuMi Dining

56 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont
Thu-Sun 12-2.30pm, Wed-Sun 5-10pm