Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the best Thai food in town. The bar is unbelievably well stocked with fine whiskies, wines
and craft beers, and knows how to make a serious cocktail.
Chin Chin
ASIAN
$$
( 03-8663 2000;
www.chinchinrestaurant.com.au
; 125 Flinders Lane; mains $19-33; 11am-late; City
Circle, 70, 75)
Yet another great option on Flinders Lane, Chin Chin does delicious Southeast
Asian hawker-style food designed as shared plates. It's inside a busied-up shell of an old
building with a real New York feel, and while there are no bookings,
Go Go Bar
downstairs
will have you till there's space.
Bomba
SPANISH, TAPAS
$$
( 03-9077 0451;
http://bombabar.com.au
; 103 Lonsdale St; tapas $3.50-8, dishes $15-32; noon-3pm Mon-Fri,
5pm-late daily; Parliament)
Reminiscent of a buzzing Spanish bodega, Bomba offers up tasty
authentic tapas,
raciones
for the hungrier and Catalan stew and paellas. The wine list is
predominantly Spanish, and the vermouth flows freely, as does the cold Estrella - all per-
fect for enjoying on the rooftop terrace to the backdrop of the St Patrick's Cathedral spire.
Bar Lourinhã
TAPAS
$$
( 03-9663 7890;
www.barlourinha.com.au
; 37 Little Collins St; tapas $4-24; noon-11pm Mon-Thu, noon-1am
Fri, 4pm-1am Sat; Parliament)
Matt McConnell's wonderful northern Spanish-Portuguese
specialities have the swagger and honesty of an Iberian shepherd, but with a cluey, metro-
politan touch. Start with the zingy kingfish pancetta and finish with the hearty house-
made chorizo or baked
morcilla
(blood sausage). There's an intriguing wine list sourced
from the region, too. Bookings only for lunch.
ITALIAN
$$
Waiters Restaurant
( 03-9650 1508; 1st fl, 20 Meyers Pl; mains $15-25; noon-2.30pm Mon-Fri & 6pm-late Mon-Sat; Parlia-
ment)
Head down a laneway and up some stairs to step into this restaurant - and into anoth-
er era. Opened in 1947, it still bears 1950s drapes, wood panelling and Laminex tables. It
was once only for Italian and Spanish waiters to unwind after work over a game of
scopa
(a card game); now everyone is welcome for its delicious, hearty plates of red-sauce pasta.
