Punch Lane |
$$$$$ | International |
A long standing favourite in the Melbourne dining scene, Punch
Lane has a warm brasserie atmosphere, with red leather seats, dark
wooden tables and black boards scribbled with lists of wine
available by the glass and daily specials. Loved for it's hefty
selection of wines and charcuterie bar where a variety of different
cured meats and cheeses can be chosen, Punch Lane is a great after
work wind-down or pre-theatre rendezvous. With unpretentious food
and an intimate atmosphere, this wine bar combines all the
necessary elements to ensure a relaxing evening with quality food
and wine in Melbourne's bustling theatre district. Open daily for
lunch and dinner, except lunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: 43 Little Bourke Street
Telephone: 9639 4944
Pelicans |
$$$$$ | Mediterranean |
A friendly restaurant/bar with attractive modern furnishings,
large windows and a sweeping veranda area, Pelicans is ideal for an
after work drink or snack, slow paced luncheon, night out with the
mates or even a romantic date. Oozing a café, health bar and
wine bar atmosphere all at once, Pelican is unpretentious but cool
in its stride, serving fresh, greasy breakfasts, attractive lunches
and a mouth watering selection of Mediterranean tapas that will
keep even the most serious snacker occupied. Reasonably priced,
considering the location and quality of food, Pelican's has been
respected since its inception in 2001 and continues to prove to
both locals and foreigners that Melbourne's eateries are of an
international standard. Open daily.
Address: 16 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Telephone: 9525 5847
Syracuse |
$$$$$ | Mediterranean |
Something of a Melbourne institution, Syracuse is a restaurant
not to be missed on a trip to Melbourne. With a distinctive look,
the simple décor, unadorned white walls, classy dark antique
tables and chairs and lofty ceilings and arches, all combine to
give this establishment a sophisticated look that is both colonial
and Mediterranean. Start with fresh oysters or a crisp salad that
is carefully put together, try out the thinly sliced tuna steak
accompanied with a salad of lentils, tomato, carrot, shallot, herbs
and olive oil or sample the renowned myriad of tapas, all
accompanied with a glass of unforgettable glass of wine from
Syracruse's impressive selection. Open Monday to Friday for
breakfast, lunch and dinner and dinner only on Saturday.
Address: 23 Bank Place
Telephone: 9670 1777
Literally a hidden gem, Pushka is a funky Melbourne espresso bar
that makes superb coffee, offers a good range of bagels and a
selection of tasty patisseries. Operating as part café, part
bar and part art space, you don't get more cool and quirky than
Pushka. Look out for Melbourne's smallest gallery, a 20cm by 30cm
hole in the wall that features monthly installations by local
artists. Start your day with "The King" breakfast bagel, layered
with fried egg, cheese, prosciutto and avo, go for the crazy toast
or just munch on some reassuring coco pops. Spilling out onto the
pavement in a quiet alleyway, the rickety mismatched chairs and
kitsch cutlery give Pushka its alternative edge. An ideal coffee
venue for espresso junkies or lunch stop for hungry travellers.
Open daily.
Address: 20 Pesgrave Place
Il Baraco |
$$$$$ | Italian |
With ten years experience under its belt, the highly respected
and loved Il Baraco restaurant enjoys a continuous influx of loyal
customers who appreciate the carefully prepared traditional Italian
food, the palatable selection of wines and sincere service. A
quality Italian restaurant, situated in the heart of the business
district, Il Baraco attracts both executives and lovers with an
intimate ambiance, achieved with a classic combination of crisp
white linen tablecloths, dark wooden chairs and soft lighting. Some
highlights on the menu include the Yarra Valley quail roasted and
served with pecorino ice cream and pomegranate salad starter and
the Western Plains suckling pork marinated in grappa, served with
black cabbage and vin cotto. Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and
dinner.
Address: 168-170 Little Collins Street
Telephone: 9654 6778
For sushi lovers looking for a fix, Kenzan is a great place to
take a group of friends or go on a romantic date. With unmistakable
retro charm, patrons can dine at the sushi bar and watch their
dinner being prepared or resign themselves to a traditional tatami
room, where all the customs of an authentic Japanese evening can be
enjoyed. Conducting business for over 25 years, Kenzan is
recognised for its attention to detail and quality food. Choose
from a wide selection of sushi or opt for a meal off the a la carte
menu. For lunch a Bento Box is the best bet, comprising of sashimi,
prawn dumplings, small appetizers and rice, all presented in a
traditional Japanese box and served with miso soup. A good starter
is the refreshing sugaki (fresh oysters with citrus flavoured ponzu
vinegar) and a sake teriyaki (grilled salmon) as a main. Open for
lunch Monday to Friday and dinner Monday to Saturday.
Address: Collins Place, 45 Collins Street (56 Flinders Lane)
Telephone: 9654 8933
Sails On The Bay |
$$$$$ | Seafood |
With a perfect location on the sandy shore of Elwood Beach,
Sails On The Bay is a sophisticated Melbourne restaurant that has
fused its breathtaking beach location with light elegant
furnishings and a seafood menu to boot. Sails On The Bay is ideal
for long luncheons or classy evenings out. With floor to ceiling
windows, patrons can watch the sunset over the deep blue ocean and
hear the waves crashing onto the shore. Starters such as the soft
shell crab tempura, accompanied with a mango and asparagus salad,
sour cream, chilli and coriander dressing keeps guests coming, as
does the seared tuna main with potato and onion salad, zesty lime
mayonnaise and salsa verde. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: 15 Elwood Foreshore, Elwood
Telephone: 9525 6933
Piadina Slowfood |
$$$$$ | Café |
They say dynamite comes in small packages and Piadina Slowfood
is no exception. If you're looking for the ultimate lunchtime
venue, try the cuisine at Piadina Slowfood, which creates a new
menu everyday and only uses fresh organic produce. Watch the chefs
in action from a booth inside or admire the cool urban exterior at
a table on the veranda. Piadina specialises in piadina, a grilled
Italian flatbread with an assortment of exotic toppings but also
serves up hearty meals with the slow food philosophy in mind.
Expect to see dishes such as a Greek goats stew or spicy chicken
bake on the menu. Open Monday to Friday for breakfast and
lunch.
Address: 57 Lonsdale Street
Telephone: 9662 2277
Wheat Restaurant and Bar |
$$$$$ | International |
A modern restaurant with a dapper edge, Wheat has an extensive
menu with affordable meals and dishes to suit all palettes. A good
breakfast and lunch venue, patrons can have a sample Wheat's
perfect Eggs Benedict or indulge in the homemade buttermilk
pancakes with maple syrup. Lunch is accompanied with an impressive
wine list, boasting mainly local estates and international beers.
Sample the leek, potato and tellagio pie, topped with an onion
relish and served with a balsamic pear salad, the homemade potato
gnocchi in a rich braised beef ragu garnished with fresh herbs or
the veal medallions served on a asparagus risotto with goats cheese
stuffed zucchini flowers. Ideal for an afternoon snack or work
drinks, Wheat also has a tapas menu where patrons can choose from a
selection of finger foods such as california rolls, cajun chicken
strips with orange mayo or char grilled marinated prawn skewers to
accompany a beverage of their choice. Open for breakfast and lunch
Monday to Friday and dinner Friday. A courtyard seating area is
also available.
Address: 534 Lonsdale St
Telephone: 9642 0288
The Press Club |
$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic |
Evoking images of a smoky bistro, where journalists and the like
would discuss the days events, literature and politics, the dark
walls, industrial windows and black leather of the renowned Press
Club create a chic atmosphere with starched white tablecloths where
patrons await the inventive products of master chef George
Calombaris' design. Situated in the centre of Melbourne's
metropolis, the Greek dishes served at The Press Club are by no way
traditional. Expect to savour meals that are as of yet unheard of,
a fusion of the old with the very new. With fresh ingredients that
are creatively put together and beautifully presented, a visit to
The Press Club is a gastronomic experience. Open for lunch and
dinner Monday to Friday and dinner Saturday and Sunday. Bookings
recommended.
Address: 72 Flinders Street
Telephone: 9677 9677
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