MoVida
Good for: Romance, food, atmosphere, service
- Address
- 1 Hosier Lane Melbourne
- Transport
- Website
- Phone
- 03-9663 3038
- Price
- tapas $4-8, raciones $10-18
- Hours
- lunch & dinner
Lonely Planet review for MoVida
Pull together a small group, book a table and share a round of the innovative tapas this subtly slick restaurant is known for; artichokes with almond sauce and manchego cheese, and Galician-cooked octopus (pulpo) with kipfler potatoes and paprika. MoVida is a consistent award-winner and reservations are a must. Fortunately MoVida Next Door (open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday) caters to the unorganised, with similarly divine fare and a no-bookings rule.
Traveller reviews for MoVida (3)
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It's not that good really. You shouldn't go.
janinemareee recommends this,
How can I explain how I feel about Movida? It's too complex. (Like the sensation of eating their scallop - wrapped in jamon, floating in basil oil, and suspended in potato foam - in a single bite.)
I've been going for 6 or 7 years and though things have changed, things have stayed reliably, lovably the same (like the fleshy portobello mushrooms roasted in sherry vinegar). Now it's an established dining hotspot - you either book weeks ahead, or set a 5.30pm arrival deadline to grab a seat at the bar (and for a solo thrill, arrive early and sneak in a cheeky fino and one glorious, single anchovy with smoked tomato sorbet on a crisp crouton).
The service used to be friendly, flirty and sweet (like the crispy, cinnamonny churros dipped into thick chocolate for dessert); now I'm afraid they're too smug for school. That’s what a burgeoning restaurant empire, 2 cookbooks and a chef who guests on Masterchef gets you. But I forgive them that, because every couple of years they add something to the menu that becomes a new must-order (like the beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximinez or that anchovy, the thought of which is making me salivate onto my keyboard).
Through every Mahon-cheese-melting croqueta, through every paprika-crusted lamb cutlet, through every of the very many glasses of Rioja, Movida has been a highlight of eating Melbourne. I encourage you NOT to go, because it’s already hard enough to get a table. If you do, I’ll be the one at the bar, surreptitiously scoffing anchovies while awaiting my dining companions.
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MoVida: Mo vino, mo bread, mo tapas
nallan recommends this,
A happenin’ environment to share and savour delicious Spanish flavour.
Stroll the tidal wave of arty graffiti in the alley, then nestle into the crowd and chatter to experience what quality ingredients can do for the palette. This is what Melbourne is all about. And the word is out, so make reservations or you’ll be lucky to get a seat at the bar. Sure, the service has attitude but it’s effective and efficient in this hoppin’ place.
After you titillate your appetite with delicious bread dipped in your balsamic & olive oil, try the Asadillo (roasted capscicum & tomato salad), savoury lamb cutlet, and the stuffed pimento. But save room from the almond tart with goat cheese and ice cream!
Prices are not low but top-notch food makes it good value. Come with a friend or a few to spend some time and add to the chatter.
Good for: Romance, atmosphere, food
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Spanish Bliss
jadakiss recommends this,
An amazing experience is what you should expect from a meal at Movida. The waiter was excellent and helped us choose several delicious tapas dishes. Many of the things I wouldn't have treid on the menu, such as goat, was very tasty! Each dish is presented perfectly and delivered with style. The spanish wine to accompany the meal was gorgeous and I only wish we had room for dessert. We will definately visit again!!
Good for: Romance, food, service
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