Best Eats in Melbourne

[Bornadog]

Re: Best Eats in Melbourne

I'm heading over to the Barossa for a couple of weeks on Monday. Driving a long the coast and staying at a few places on the way, but am hoping to stop in at Stefano's in Mildura on the way home, anyone been there before?

Haven't been to Mildura for a very long time.

One place that I enjoyed staying at and eating at is Chris's Restaurant & Villas (http://chriss.com.au/home.html) close to Apollo Bay.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Best Eats in Melbourne

I'm heading over to the Barossa for a couple of weeks on Monday. Driving a long the coast and staying at a few places on the way, but am hoping to stop in at Stefano's in Mildura on the way home, anyone been there before?

Haven't been for a while, he actually had a couple of places next to each other. One was his traditional Italian style Stefano's but next door he had the Argentinian, which was more a steak restaurant, both really good. Next door to both is the Mildura Brewery, which has some brilliant beers, you might have to get a room at the Grand so you can enjoy tasting them all!

I actually heard recently that Stefano had sold his restaurant/s to a young chef. I think the name is now Stefano's Cellar or something like that.

Really like Mildura, one of the great weekends is hiring a houseboat, mooring out the front of Trentham Estate for lunch and too many wines!

Just on the Barossa, if you are in Tanunda, 1918 is a really nice place to eat. That Callum kid off Masterchef is a cook, but it is seriously good food. Make sure you get a red meat dish and pair it with the Rockford basket press Shiraz (seriously one of my faves). The only problem is you'll probably want to go to Rockford the next day to buy a case, only to realize they've all sold out!

[Bulldog4life]

Re: Best Eats in Melbourne

Since living in Rosebud the best restaurant we have discovered is La Petanque Restaurant in Main Ridge. Set in a winery the French inspired food is superb. It has had Chefs Hat twice I believe. The restaurant overlooks the acres and acres of vineyards so the view is sensational too. Been there a number of times now so if anyone is traveling down this way in the holidays do yourself a favour you won't be disappointed.

[jeemak]

Re: Best Eats in Melbourne

For a little bit of a humble Italian place (BTW, I think it's pronounced eye-talian) Umbertos in Thornbury is sublime.

Very simple selection of wines from Europe and Australia, whilst the menu is reliant on diversity from the specials board. The quality is excellent, I mean, very very excellent and reasonably priced.

[Bornadog]

Re: Best Eats in Melbourne

For a little bit of a humble Italian place (BTW, I think it's pronounced eye-talian) Umbertos in Thornbury is sublime.

Very simple selection of wines from Europe and Australia, whilst the menu is reliant on diversity from the specials board. The quality is excellent, I mean, very very excellent and reasonably priced.

Good to still find a place reasonably priced with good food.

Some places are now over the top with pricing, but I guess with high rentals and wages they are also finding it hard to make a profit. I guess that is why they have the double sittings.

[Daughter of the West]

Re: Best Eats in Melbourne

Good to still find a place reasonably priced with good food.

Some places are now over the top with pricing, but I guess with high rentals and wages they are also finding it hard to make a profit. I guess that is why they have the double sittings.

One of my favourite local Italian places that definitely falls in the humble category is La Spezia on Mt Alexander Road Essendon. The food is excellent and reasonable priced, BYO wine (there's also a wine list) and every time we are there the owner (who my husband and I have nicknamed "Mama" - it's like having a surrogate Italian mum) greets us like we are her long lost children! I believe it's a husband and wife team who own it and have run it for ages, and it's just always such a welcoming, accommodating and relaxed place to eat. They do great takeaway pizzas too.

[Go_Dogs]

Re: Best Eats in Melbourne

GS, I definitely endorse ML's Rockford's Basket Press recommendation. Good drop.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: Best Eats in Melbourne

Tried Zuzuki's at Daylesford. The best tasting menu outside of Melbourne, rediculously good. Outstanding, they're better than other two hatted restaurants in Melbourne. They're just short of getting the second and it won't be long.

[Eastdog]

Re: Best Eats in Melbourne

Who remembers Barnacle Bill. Gosh I haven't been there in ages.

[jeemak]

Re: Best Eats in Melbourne

Who remembers Barnacle Bill. Gosh I haven't been there in ages.

Never went there myself ED. Was it any good, for what it was?

[jeemak]

Re: Best Eats in Melbourne

Ethos in Hobart had a very good degustation and sake match. It's hard to get right, but the service and matching was actually quite good.

[Eastdog]

Re: Best Eats in Melbourne

Never went there myself ED. Was it any good, for what it was?

I seemed to like it when I was a kid.

[Bornadog]

Re: Best Eats in Melbourne

Went to the Atlanic for lunch, really the price are ridiculous for what you get. If I can cook a better meal that what is on offer then that is how I judge it. Lucky I wasn't paying

[bulldogtragic]

Re: Best Eats in Melbourne

Went to the Atlanic for lunch, really the price are ridiculous for what you get. If I can cook a better meal that what is on offer then that is how I judge it. Lucky I wasn't paying

Same, 100%. I had their bug pasta dish recently. Made it at home for a fraction and it was better. There was nothing special about it whatsoever, except pricing. Lease must be crazy high, or they're gauging, or both.

[Eastdog]

Re: Best Eats in Melbourne

Same, 100%. I had their bug pasta dish recently. Made it at home for a fraction and it was better. There was nothing special about it whatsoever, except pricing. Lease must be crazy high, or they're gauging, or both.

High price does not necessarily equal better quality.