Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
down an alley off Carlisle St (next to Safeway), means it doesn't get much passing foot
traffic, which is lucky given that this cosy brick cafe has enough devotees as it is. A
former 1920s bakehouse, these days it's all about transcendental vegetarian food, house-
made Bircher muesli and house-roasted single-estate coffee. Book ahead for Friday-night
dinners.
Mirka's at Tolarno
INTERNATIONAL, ITALIAN
$$
( 03-9525 3088;
www.mirkatolarnohotel.com
; Tolarno Hotel, 42 Fitzroy St, St Kilda; mains $26-32; 6pm-late;
16, 96, 112)
Murals by beloved artist Mirka Mora grace the walls in this dining room with
a history (it's been delighting diners since the early '60s), part of Tolarno Hotel. The Itali-
an menu has some rustic classics, like veal satimbocca, mixed with interesting surprises
such as walnut and pear gnocchi with gorgonzola. There's also a four-course sharing
menu ($60).
Cicciolina
(
www.cicciolinastkilda.com.au
;
130 Acland St, St Kilda; mains $17-43; noon-10pm; 16, 96)
This warm
room of dark wood, subdued lighting and pencil sketches is a St Kilda institution. The in-
spired Modern Australian/Mediterranean menu is smart and generous, and the service
warm. It only takes bookings for lunch; for dinner eat early or while away your wait in the
moody little back bar.
MEDITERRANEAN
$$
I Carusi II
( 03-9593 6033; 231 Barkly St, St Kilda; pizza $16-21; 6-11pm; 16, 96)
Located beyond the Ac-
land St chaos in this nostalgic corner shop, I Carusi pizzas have a particularly tasty dough
and follow the less-is-more tenet, with top-quality mozzarella, pecorino and a small range
of other toppings. Bookings advised, and don't miss the upstairs bar.
PIZZA
$$
Claypots
( 03-9534 1282; 213 Barkly St, St Kilda; mains $25-35; noon-3pm & 6pm-1am; 96)
A local favour-
ite, Claypots serves up seafood in its namesake dish. Get in early to both get a seat and en-
SEAFOOD
$$
