Visiting the city of Melbourne offers the opportunity for different eating and dining experiences. Melbourne’s increased population size, cooler weather and differing restaurant culture in comparison to Adelaide has created a number of restaurants I can’t pass up when in town.
For fine dining with a Burgundian French influence check out Jacques Reymond in Prahran (which you better pronounce ‘pran’ in a nasally voice if you want the taxi driver to know where you mean). This does justice to the term ‘restaurant’ in the traditional sense: large well-spaced tables; fine cutlery, napery and glassware; seamless service; long wine list; hushed ambience and exceptional food.
To sample the best of Chinese in Melbourne with service and ambience of a ‘true’ restaurant try either Flower Drum (if you can get in) or Mask of China both of which are in near Little Bourke St in the city.
Flower Drum (ph: 03 9662 3655) is the most recognised and awarded Chinese restaurant in Australia, world-class stuff. What more can be said? Mask of China (ph: 03 9662 2116) specialises in Chiu Chow cuisine. The service runs like clockwork and the cooking is very good. Both restaurants are located near Little Bourke St in the city.
Experience the French joie de vivre at the Paris styled bistro France-Soir. Come here for the best entrecote grillee, sauce bordelaise and other Franco-favourites (including great seafood plats de jour). The wine list is a true delight and thicker than the waiter’s accent.
As there can never be too much gastronomic hedonism, ensure a visit to the wonderful Cafe Di Stasio (ph: 03 9525 3999) in St Kilda. Beautiful, honest Italian food with discreet and attentive service. This is the real deal and not a poor, noisy imitator. Features amazing value lunch specials.
Whether before a show, after work or over dinner Punch Lane in the city offers a casual, funky and fun experience paired with great wines (bottled or by the glass), meals and cheeses. Every neighbourhood needs one of these.
This is by no means the best selection of places to eat in town but is where I find myself going back to time and time again. On short visits squeezed between meetings or all too short holidays you don’t have time to be disappointed.