UPDATE: Renowned chef Cam Tay-Yap has just launched his highly anticipated summer pop-up, Pebble, in West Melbourne. Opening today, December 8, 2025, this vibrant dining spot is already generating buzz for its unique menu inspired by the flavors of Vietnam, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.
With a dog-friendly courtyard and a new liquor license, Pebble is poised to be a hot destination for food lovers seeking casual yet innovative dining experiences. Tay-Yap, who previously helmed the acclaimed three-hatted restaurant Amaru, is inviting patrons to enjoy an eclectic menu that promises both creativity and comfort.
Located just five minutes from Queen Victoria Market, Pebble occupies the former Earth Angels space and will operate until April 2026. After Tay-Yap’s residency, hospitality group Tsunagu Project will take over, launching a tempura restaurant in the same location.
Tay-Yap shared his excitement, stating, “Going from fine dining to a car park to an indoor space is surreal.” The new venue, featuring 34 seats and an upstairs private dining room, offers a more refined setting compared to his previous pop-up, which was set up in a bouldering gym parking lot.
This transition comes after Tay-Yap and his wife, Trish Pham, spent six months traveling across Asia, rejuvenating their culinary inspirations from cities like Singapore, Tokyo, Bali, and Ho Chi Minh City. Tay-Yap reflected on his journey, saying, “Before we left I was tossing and turning about what to do next. I felt lost and disillusioned… Going away for six months has given me a fresher feeling.”
Pebble’s menu features dishes that reflect this journey. Highlights include a Vietnamese-inspired tuna ceviche with compressed papaya and Vietnamese mint “leche de tigre,” and a Malaysian-style mushroom rendang pot pie enhanced with local herb oil. For dessert, a mochi-draped mango sorbet garnished with peaches and apricots takes inspiration from Hong Kong culinary traditions.
Family plays a central role at Pebble, with Pham balancing her work as a sonographer alongside her restaurant duties, while Tay-Yap’s mother is frequently present to support the venture. The decor is a personal touch, designed to evoke the couple’s home with framed photos, plants, and crockery that create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Tay-Yap aims for Pebble to be more than just a restaurant; he wants it to be a friendly neighborhood spot. He emphasized, “I’ve realized that vibe and friendliness are at least 50 percent of what gets people to come back.”
Pebble is open from Tuesday to Thursday, 5 PM to late, and Friday to Sunday from noon until late, with an inviting atmosphere perfect for casual gatherings. Don’t miss your chance to experience this new culinary gem in West Melbourne!
For more information, visit pebbledining.com.
