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Restaurant

Dexter

456 High St, Preston VIC 3072, Australia

Recommended by 5 people

Updated

Find Dexter

456 High St, Preston VIC 3072, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9973 3577
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Dexter

Dexter retools the American smokehouse with playful, sweet-and-savory irreverence on High Street. Expect smoky, spiced brisket encased in sugar-dusted dough alongside caramel short ribs and tender pork belly. Locals order the bone marrow mash for its deep umami richness, rounded out by sharp house pickles and a well-curated drinks list. The room stays low-key and intimate under dim lighting, with down-to-earth service keeping pace across packed tables.

  • Hot Meat Doughnuts: Spiced, smoky brisket tucked into fluffy dough and dusted in sugar, served with a spicy dip.
  • Bone Marrow Mash: Buttery mashed potatoes enriched with bone marrow, paired with tender smoked ribs and house pickles.
  • Relaxed Vibe: Intimate suburban dining with low-key dim lighting and attentive, down-to-earth service.
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What's On at Dexter

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Choose Dexter

Why diners choose Preston's home of unconventional smokehouse classics and welcoming neighborhood hospitality.

  • The Iconic Meat Doughnut

    Spiced smoked brisket is tucked inside a golden pastry and rolled in sugar, balancing savory smoke with sweetness.

    The meat doughnut is iconic—smoky brisket encased in fluffy, slightly sweet dough, paired with a spicy dip that perfectly balances the flavors.

    Maureen Roco

  • Rich Bone Marrow Mash

    Smoked meats are paired with a decadent, umami-rich mashed potato infused with bone marrow.

    The bone marrow mash? An absolute standout. Rich, buttery, and packed with umami—it’s a must-order.

    Maureen Roco

  • Host With Tastemaker Confidence

    Bringing guests to Dexter delivers dependable quality that cements your standing as an in-the-know host.

    Every time I bring people here, they love it. Which makes me look good, as though I have excellent taste.

    veronica fil

  • Effortless Group Hospitality

    The team handles large groups and changing party sizes with warmth, seating everyone together without hassle.

    We had a last minute request to do a family gathering for 13 people, which they generously accommodated.

    C Shaw

  • Intimate, Conversational Ambiance

    The dining room pairs warm, understated lighting with low-key background music, allowing comfortable conversation.

    nice dim lighting with background music where you can have a good conversation without shouting.

    Franc de Petro

  • Down-to-Earth Attentive Service

    The team delivers attentive, unpretentious hospitality from the dining room to the bar counter.

    Service was great — super attentive, quick, team was down to earth. No fuss, just solid.

    Kim T

Handcrafted smoked meats and iconic savory-sweet creations

  • Meat Donut

    Came here to try the meat donut and it was the most amazing savoury donut I’ve ever had! Sugary on the outside with the perfect flavour of meat inside.

    Joyce K

  • Caramel Short Rib

    went for short rib tonight, smokey sweet fall off the bone experience

    Franc de Petro

  • Smoked Beef Brisket

    For mains, I had the beef brisket, which was melt-in-your-mouth tender, packed with smoky goodness, and paired perfectly with their house sauces.

    Sharmin S Mesbah

  • Lamb Ribs

    The lamb ribs with chimichurri and the cheeseburger were also spectacular + faultless.

    Tam N

Other favorites

Signature sides, starters, and indulgent sweets to round out your smokehouse feast

  • Bone Marrow Mash

    The bone marrow mash? An absolute standout. Rich, buttery, and packed with umami—it’s a must-order.

    Maureen Roco

  • Sweet and Sour Cauliflower

    Loved the sweet and sour cauliflower with miso ranch. There was a nice crisp on the glaze and the flavours were great.

    Vanessa Wong-Lee

  • Black Forest Tiramisu

    The Black Forest tiramisu was huge!

    Joyce K

  • Grilled Corn

    We had some doughnuts and grilled corn, and both were delicious!

    Enoki N Daisy

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially for Saturday dinner or groups, as walk-ins may find the venue full or be seated outside. Reservations are available online via OpenTable or over the phone.

What is the meat donut?

The meat doughnut is Dexter's signature dish—a sweet, sugar-dusted doughnut filled with savory smoked brisket and served with a dipping sauce.

Can Dexter accommodate dietary requirements like gluten-free?

Yes. Dexter is accommodating with dietary needs, offering a strong selection of gluten-free options across smoked meats and sides, as well as dairy-free accommodations.

How are the portion sizes?

Portions are generous and satisfying. Main smoked meats come with complementary sides like pickles and bone marrow mash, leaving guests well-filled.

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