Little Prince

Rebecca and Lewis Prince have owned Neilsons Kitchen in Traralgon for 10 years. Lewis started his apprenticeship there under the guidance of previous owner Brad Neilson (now of Tinamba Hotel), so has now clocked 20 years in that kitchen. He can still be found at the pans each day, with Rebecca running the coffee machine and the floor.

Little Prince is the couple’s newest creation. It opened in mid-2014 and hasn’t aged a day. The fun food, snappy service and upbeat vibe means the restaurant has been booked out almost every night since opening. The Princes wanted to bring something different to the region, and they’ve succeeded.

The menu is a medley of pan-Asian, Tex-Mex and other vibrant, hyphenated edibles that are designed to share and pair well with the on-tap Kirin beer. There are bite-size dumplings, mini tacos, sliders (vegetarians, go straight to the sweet potato hot dog with kimchi), plates piled with Korean fried chicken wings, Thai pulled pork roll-ups and Texan spice-rubbed quail.

The wine list is equal parts imports and local – Wild Dog, Blue Gables, Purple Hen, Lightfoot and Sons, and Narkoojee are all present. The kitchen serves right through the afternoon, so if you’re seeking a late lunch or early dinner you won’t be left wanting.

Explore Gippsland further using our detailed Out of Town to Central Gippsland guide.