I fell in love with Tipo 00 on my first visit there, and a host of positive feedback for its sister restaurant Osteria Ilaria meant Osteria's position on my 'must try' list was secured. We book in for an early-ish lunch, and watch the kitchen prepare fresh pasta for service. Although Osteria Ilaria also has pasta on the menu, it isn't quite as pasta-focused as Tipo 00....
Cosy and intimate, Cirelli & Co is almost inconspicuous against its surrounding of residential properties on the narrow road that is Albion Street. When darkness falls and the lights turn on, Cirelli & Co shines like a little oasis....
Whilst Pope Joan has sadly had its final hurrah, we can still get a taste of Matt Wilkinson at The Pie Shop just a few doors down. The tiny little place really only has seating in the open space on the side, but most people seem to come for takeaway....
La Baia is a fitting name for this Italian restaurant, given its views of the South Melbourne Foreshore and the bay beyond. The theme of the menu is authentic Italian, and it includes some regional dishes. Our favourite of the night is the Melenzane Ripiene. Slivers of eggplant are rolled around fresh ricotta and finished with Grana Padano, rocket and balsamic glaze....
Julien Moussi has opened yet another cafe, this time in the quieter suburb of Malvern. The Mojo Benny is a delicious combination of Cuban pulled pork, cheddar cornbread waffle, guacamole, chipotle hollandaise, poached eggs, and mushrooms, but the pork is quite overseasoned today. You don't often come across burrata on a brunch menu, but we found it here together with a savoury granola, fresh basil, chilli balsamic, cherry tomatoes, target beetroot and mint EVOO....