The Best of everything
Melbourne has long been recognised for its passion for food, wine and coffee. The chefs of Melbourne's great restaurants have worked with the best around the globe yet bring their own individual style to renowned restaurants such as Vue de Monde, Grossi Florenti, Cumulus and yet you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy great food.
Lygon street boats several rustic italian restaurants, new hotspots in Brunswick and Fitzroy are hard to keep up with. The city of Melbourne also boasts some wonderful dining experiences. Plan to enjoy one truly great experience and be adventurous and go to the outskirts of the city---for Vietname se, Victoria Parade, Richmond, Italian Lygon Street, Greek Lonsdale Street and good Aussie food at any inner city pub. Of course we will design a very special itinerary of restaurants with any hotel booking. For the serious foodie consider a tour.
Merchant de Venice
The famous Melbourne restaurant Grossi Florentino has opened a wonderful Venetian inspired restaurant and cafe in the heart of Melbourne. This osteria is a great place for a relaxed or formal meal. Breaking the mould of a rigid style of restaurant, this one is relaxed with a bold and inviting menu. Expect classic dishes such as 'Minestra di orzo' or Gnochi, risotto and pasta in a variety of sauces and fresh ingredient. Or simply enjoy some Fried local White bait and a glass of wine.
Open Monday to Friday 7am – 11pm Satruday 12pm – 11pm and closed Sunday.
www.merchantov.com
Rialto Building, 495 Collins St, Melbourne, t: 61 3 9614 7688
Movida
This restaurant has been so successful that have opened another three in the city centre (Movida Next Door, Movida Quai and Movida Terrazza). While a tapas bar, it is not strictly Spanish cuisine but rather some exotic combinations such as Monte y Mar -Pork-stuffed Calamari with Squid Ink Dressing (-$7.00 each) or Bacalao con Huevo - Confit Salt Cod with Soft Boiled Egg & Pil Pil or nimble ($14.50) or just some nibbles like Tigre- Traditional Spring Bay stuffed Mussel with Dried Chorizo and Lemon Aioli ($3.70 each). A great place for a beer at the bar or with a crowd. The ambiance and food should not disappointed.
Bookings highly recommended.
www.movida.com.au
1 Hosier Lane Melbourne P 61 3 9663 3038
Thai delights at COOKIE
One of Melbourne’s hot chef’s Karen Batson serves up modern Thai cuisine in an ambient 1920s building that has a lot of local history. This place gets busy so try and arrive a little early. Lots of great dishes to choose from;
marinated chicken wrapped in pandan leaves with sesame soy or betel leaf salad with smoked fish, chicken & roasted coconut Prices start from $7.50 and average around 14.00 per dish, you will need quite a few so this is not ‘cheap eat’ but a great Melbourne restaurant with lots of character and a bit of fun.
www.cookie.net.au
1/252 Swanston Street Walk
The Italian
An elegant and memorable dining experience. Traditional Italian dishes with either formal or casual dining areas. Typical prices : small dish $20, typical main $31. While the atmosphere is a little formal and very popular with the 'corporate' crowd, don't expect a rustic feel that many Melbourne Italian restaurants offer. Food should not disappoint.
www.theitalian.com.au
101 Collins St t: 9654 9499
Loam
Situated in the Bellarine Peninsula the restaurant is located in a beautiful Olive Oil Farm. The chef is a true artisan, often not deciding on the menu until the day. Menu choices are only between two or three items but be assured of home grown cuisine cooked and presented with great enthusiasm.
www.loamrestaurant.blogspot.com
650 Andersons Rd Drysdale
Spice it Up - Colonel Tan
This is a real locals hang-out and a great place to experience 'groovy' Melbourne. The food is spiced up Thai -- expect some unusual dishes like Bangkok Bolognaise alongside Green Curry and Stir Fried Chilli dishes.
If you're feeling like hanging out on a lounge chair and just watching the local scene, this is a great place for drinks, ambiance and a few spicy snack.
Well priced, expect to pay: Entrees $3.50-$10.50; salads $8.50-$11.50; curries $12.50-$14.50; stir-fries $9.50-$12.50 : Good pub prices for drinks. Picture copyright to Age
www.coloneltans.com.au
229 Chapel St, Prahan t: 9521 5985
Grossi Florenti
Even after years of awards, this is still one of Melbourne’s favourite Italian restaurants. For nearly a century, Chef Guy Grossi has been pleasing fussy diners with authentic Italian cuisine. You can choose to dine in either the Restaurant for a full a la carte menu, think Baby calamari, crab, risoni, jamon broth, shredded apple, abalone salad $45 or The Grill –Salsicce al finocchio $36 - spicy pork and fennel sausages, garlic, rosemary and sage; or my favourite the cosy Cellar bar (Spaghetti Con Carciofi e Olive- Spaghetti with preserved artichokes and olives $18.00). Each venue is priced for the occasion and each should not disappoint.
Open Monday to Friday 12 noon till 11pm and Saturday 6pm to 11pm. Cellar Bar open for breakfast.
www.grossiflorentino.com
80 Bourke St (03) 9662 1811
Middle Park Hotel - Gastropub
An interesting menu focusing on offal which could be described as an Australian/British menu. This pub is on the outskirts of Melbourne city about a 10 minute cab ride. It is open all day daily from noon till 10pm. There's light meals such as salads (offal is their signature one) or Scotch Eggs; heartier meals like 300g John Dee 150 day grain fed rib fillet ($34). A traditional if not somewhat masculine pub.
www.middleparkhotel.com.au
102 Canterbury Rd Middle Park t: (03)9690 1958