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Richmond Hill Cafe & Larder
Equal parts produce store, larder and café, Richmond Hill Cafe & Larder does it all well. The large, open, unfussy space is an appropriate setting for meals marked by simplicity and style. It's a brave breakfaster who tries to get in on a weekend. Do buy some cheese from the Larder, if only to be hand-fed slithers of soft cheeses by the Frenchman.
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Scusami
Feast your eyes on the city views, then feast on Scusami's outstanding dishes. This long-running restaurant has been teasing the city's culinary senses for over a decade. An excellent range of wines is offered by the glass to complement the classic and contemporary Italian fare. Expect a sprinkling of luxurious ingredients such as porcini mushrooms and truffle oil.
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Syracuse
White-shirted workers steal a few luxurious lunchtime hours in here. Hardwood floors, round marble tables and columns holding high ceilings provide a soft landing from a busy morning. Fabulous deal-sealing mains plus a fine-looking wine list act as a springboard into the afternoon. Those not here on business can linger long after the others have left, or come later for the evening menu of tapas.
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Tiamo
From Tiamo's front window displays men sitting at the bar, downing espressos and chatting in Italian with the waiters. The dark and atmospheric interior has attracted local thespians, artists and Italophiles since the 1960s. Tiamo is licensed and recommended for lunch and dinner. Expect value for money and generous portions of simple and traditional cuisine at this treasured trattoria.
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Tutto Bene
Refining the Italian offerings down to a range of spot-on risottos, Tutto Bene is a unique dining option. Ranging from classic, through veggie, seafood and meat, to luxurious (porcini mushroom, asparagus and white truffle), you can't go wrong. Half a dozen mains supplement the menu, and perfect peaks of homemade gelati condense the essence of pear, blood orange or tiramisu come dessert.
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Vue De Monde
Serious gastronomes visit Vue de Monde for the finest restaurant experience in Melbourne and to worship at the kitchen-altar of chef-owner Shannon Bennett. The set-price lunch (two courses plus glass of wine) is great value and dinner is degustation only starting at around A$90 for four courses, up to around A$190 for 14 courses. Book well ahead.
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Walter's Wine Bar
As the name suggests, Walter's has wine: 22 pages of it. Professional service and a tinkling piano accompaniment set the tone at this self-proclaimed fancy bistro, with gilt touches and river views. Separate bar and cheese menus supplement the main Italian-accented menu (that's heavy on the meat dishes). Walter's attracts the Arts Centre crowd, who come to debrief after the show.
