Showing 1-13 of 13 results
-
Botanical
Capacious and chic, the Botanical is the darling of South Yarra. Its iconic location opposite the Botanic Gardens, bold menu and innovative approach consistently win praise from the foodie elite. Assured partnerings of prime ingredients, impeccable service and wines galore are what they come for. Bookings advised.
-
Cavallero
A super smart, subtle fit out lets the charm of this grand Victorian shopfront shine. Morning coffee and house-made cookies make way for piadina and pinot gris. Come tea time, there's pan-Med comfort food, and later still, cocktails, draught beer and dub tunes on the turntable. Sunday brunch goes off.
-
Circa
Regarded among the city's finest, Circa is one of a dying breed - the fancy hotel restaurant. The Prince hotel's renowned dining room is as silky and indulgent as the food. Groovy and refined at the same time, it has all bases covered. From degustation (including vegetarian) to breakfast (a supremely accessible option), Circa at the Prince rules.
-
Claypots
Dive into the din of people ripping heads off prawns and delving into giant plates of whole fish, and the heightened hubbub that accompanies people having a good time. Recently renovated and extended, with a great new courtyard dining area and adjoining bar, Claypots is more popular than ever - so be early! Cheap house wines and tasty A$5.00 seafood paella at every night are additional drawcards.
-
Jacques Reymond
Housed in a Victorian terrace of ample proportions, Reymond was a local pioneer of degustation dining and still encourages you to eat this way (there's a much-lauded vegetarian version). Expect a French-influenced, Asian-accented menu with lovely details, such as house-churned butter. This is mod Oz at its best.
-
Jimmy Watson's
Jimmy Watson's is a Lygon St stalwart, dependably feeding students, families and business folk over two Watson generations. The old-world patina of this classic bistro leads to a popular courtyard. Wine is the speciality here, with some serious options available from the dusty cellar. There's a little of the Middle East in the monthly changing menu - it keeps regulars guessing, and coming back.
-
Matteo's
A plush interior, starched double-dressed tables, impeccable service, impressive wine list and outstanding modern Italian-Australian cuisine are the ingredients that make Matteo's one to bookmark. Degustation menus (including vegetarian) and platters to share round out the offerings at this warm and welcoming restaurant.
-
Morning Star
The food is as comfortable as the surrounds at this delightful old local in the backstreets of Williamstown. Old-school English-style fare graces the linen-dressed tables that are often full.
-
O'Connell's
This posh pub is a long-time leader in the gastropub stakes. Forget about fronting up for a plate of cheap food cooked until it's colourless. O'Connell's is fancy down to the glassware, though good value. Choose to dine in the casual front room, or take yourself off out the back to the formal dining room - the same hearty menu's on offer.
-
Pearl
Oh, so fine! If you only come out of your shell for one occasion, make it Pearl. The stylish, minimalist dining room with impeccable service is confidently refined without pretence. Foodies love the adventurous and intelligent menu, which is accompanied by an equally impressive wine list. Pearl comes replete with a jovial bar area, where svelte young things rah-rah until late.
-
Advertisement
-
Stokehouse
Two-faced Stokehouse makes the most of its beachfront position, cleverly catering to families and casual loafers downstairs, and turning on its best upstairs for finer diners. The exceptional seafood and service never miss a beat, and live up to their respectable reputations. Up or down, bay views are on offer. Book for upstairs.
-
Taxi
It takes a space this big to accommodate the reputation of head chef, Michael Lambie. Like the pied piper of industry accolades, Lambie creates audacious Asian-inspired dishes that have earned him a loyal following. All glass, steel and concrete, the industrial-chic hangar-sized dining room looks over the river and Flinders Street Station. After dinner, sip a digestif at Transit, the rooftop bar and deck with live music most nights.
-
Verge
Enclosed in glass, this stylish split-level corner establishment has a gorgeous leafy aspect out to Treasury Gardens. But you'll likely be looking at the staff whose personal service could be likened to performance art (in a good way). A back-slapping bar with a loyal following of chic city dwellers tempers the sleek, minimalist interior. The menu combines Asian and European influences, with dishes as refined and lustrous as the décor.
Showing 1-13 of 13 results
