Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CARLTON
Brunetti
TRATTORIA/PASTICCERIA For a real Italian experience,
come here for excellent cakes, gelato, and coffee while gazing at the trompe l'oeil
paintings and frescoes on the walls. Their very authentic range of lunch dishes
are also worth sampling. The best thing this side of Rome.
198-204 Faraday St., Carlton.
&
03/9347 2801.
Main courses A$12-A$25 (US$7.80-US$16). Cafe dishes
A$3-A$8 (US$2-US$5.20). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 7:am-10.30pm; Sat 8am-10.30pm. Tram: All trams trav-
eling north on Swanston St.
Il Primo
SOUTHERN EUROPEAN This restaurant is tucked away in a
pair of historic houses in the Italian sector of Carlton. There are three, cozy din-
ing areas in all, with antique bricks, wood-beamed ceilings, and tiled floors. It
feels like you're dining in a wine cellar, and indeed, there's a great wine list,
including a range of unlabeled local wines at rock-bottom prices. The menu
changes regularly, but you'll often see the likes of veal parmigiana, warm kanga-
roo salad, fish, garlic prawns, risotto, and several pasta dishes. Live jazz brings in
the customers every night from 10 or 11pm to closing time.
242 Lygon St., Carlton.
&
03/9663 6100.
Reservations recommended. Main courses A$17-A$28
(US$11-US$18). AE, DC, MC, V. Sun-Tues 6:30am-1am; Wed-Sat 6:30am-3am. Tram: 1, 15, 21, or 22 trav-
eling north on Swanston St. (Stop 12).
Shakahari
VEGETARIAN Good vegetarian food isn't just a meal without
meat; it's a creation in its own right. At Shakahari you are assured of a creative
meal that's not at all bland. The large restaurant is quite low-key, but the service
can be a bit inconsistent. The Sate Samsara (skewered, lightly fried vegetables
and tofu pieces with a peanut dip) is a winner, as is the couscous, served in a vast
earthenware pot. Also served up are curries, croquets, tempura avocado, and
veggie burgers (on a plate with salad, not in a bun).
201-203 Faraday St., Carlton.
&
03/9347 3848.
Main courses A$15 (US$9.40). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Sat
noon-3:30pm; Sun-Thurs 6-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 6-10:30pm. Tram: Any tram going north along Swanston St.
toward Melbourne University.
Vue du Monde
MODERN FRENCH Striving for a refined experience
similar to that of a European Michelin-starred restaurant, this small but oh-so-
stylish establishment produces mostly exceptional food. If pig's trotter stuffed
with caramelized sweetbreads or assiette of mushrooms and truffle are what you
desire, then you will not be disappointed. An excellent wine list.
295 Drummond St., Carlton.
&
03/9347 0199.
Main courses A$36 (US$23), 2-course dinner A$50 (US$33).
AE, DC, MC, V. Tues-Fri noon-2:30pm; Tues-Sat 6:30-11pm. Tram: All trams traveling north on Swanston St.
FITZROY
Mario's
ITALIAN This place has ambience, groovy '60s decor, great coffee,
and impeccable professional service. Offerings include a varied range of pastas
and cakes. Breakfast is served all day. The art on the wall, all by local artists, is
always interesting and for sale, too.
303 Brunswick St., Fitzroy.
&
03/9417 3343.
Main courses A$12-A$18 (US$7.80-US$12). AE, DC, MC, V.
Mon-Fri 7:am-10.30pm; Sat 8am-10.30pm.
SEASIDE DINING IN ST. KILDA
Chinta Blues
MALAYSIAN Head to this very popular eatery if you're look-
ing for simple, satisfying food with a healthy touch of spice. The big sellers are
the laksa, the mei goreng, the chicken curry, the sambal spinach, and a chicken
dish called ayam blues. Lots of noodles, too. It's very busy, especially at lunch.
