The latest reviews of Melbourne restaurants by the Australian Good Food Guide. http://www.agfg.com.au/ en-au Copyright Australian Good Food Guide Publishing Pty Ltd rss@agfg.com.au (AGFG Webmaster) webmaster@agfg.com.au (AGFG Webmaster) Thu, 18 Apr 2013 06:09:23 GMT Setting the bar for smart casual dining on the Port Melbourne waterfront is Watermark Docklands. Its prime location and polished style make the space versatile for post work drinks, special occasions and a romantic evening for two. Floor to ceiling glass allow all patrons to enjoy scenic harbour views, while tones of chocolate, cream and light wood provide the foundations for lavish additions of leather sofas, stretched banquettes and fresh flowers. Generous mod oz mains –all of which are under $30– incorporate seasonal flavours and many highlight local seafood, suiting the surrounds. Dishes may feature seared scallops au gratin served in their shell with diced roma tomatoes to start, and for mains, char grilled kangaroo fillet served with sweet potato mash, spinach and a red wine jus. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/docklands/restaurants-dining/watermark-docklands http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/docklands/restaurants-dining/watermark-docklands Inspired by the artistic flair of Vincent Van Gogh, The Vincent in Albert Park is a portrait of style, sophistication and traditional grandeur. Built in 1888, this historic Melbourne venue has recently opened its doors, refurbished to reflect the essence of European refinement. Each space within The Vincent radiates with elegance, a popular function venue in which you will find tiered chandeliers, polished floorboards and padded furnishings, with a Van Gogh inspired glass mural mosaic reflecting vibrancy. Using local market produce and fresh produce, The Vincent's high standard of food is evident in mains like Macleay Valley rabbit and ricotta ravioli with brown butter, and share dishes such as wood fired black mussels, fennel tops and anise flavours with a saffron rouille to dip. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/albert-park/restaurants-dining/the-vincent http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/albert-park/restaurants-dining/the-vincent An Aladdin's cave of gourmet goods in old world style, Rouge Café in Armadale immerses all your senses, taking you on a culinary café journey unlike any other. Lavishly patterned wallpaper, freshly baked goods in the alluring display cabinet and heavily packed dark wooden shelving behind the counter all entwine to form a French provincial theme, which runs outside to the Parisian style courtyard, complete with quaint side alley for diners looking to escape with coffee and their nose in a book. If the decadent window display doesn't lure you inside, Rouge Café's Gourmet French inspired menu will; anticipate options from authentically flaky croissants through to mains like slow braised lamb salad with wild rice, quinoa and sautéed Mediterranean vegetables with minted yoghurt dressing. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/armadale/restaurants-dining/rouge-la-cuisine-darmidale http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/armadale/restaurants-dining/rouge-la-cuisine-darmidale Named after the film "Bread and Tulips", Pane e Tulipani in Port Melbourne combines 40 years worth of industry experience with timeless Italian flair. Since opening its doors in 2007, this café meets cucina specialises in original Italian cuisine and wine, the ingredients for which are served up in immediately warm, welcoming surrounds. All products at Pane e Tulipani are made on the premises, right down to the dough of their very own pasta; and the result shines in the menu of Mediterranean delights. When in Rome, take a seat al fresco to linger over all day breakfasts or cocktails and light lunches like tagliata di manzo (sliced beef with balsamic glace, rocket, cherry tomato and shaved parmesan). Gracing the dinner menu are pasta and fish specials - but be sure to save room for dessert. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/port-melbourne/restaurants-dining/pane-e-tulipani http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/port-melbourne/restaurants-dining/pane-e-tulipani Pronounced 'bas-tee-ya', B'stilla Moroccan restaurant in South Yarra is a hot new addition to the prominent food and wine region, a secret gem tucked away in Ivanhoe. Just like the dish of the same name, B'stilla is elaborate, exotic and thoroughly enjoyable; using 100% recycled products, the establishment is a careful balance of subtle and exotic, where the aroma of spice wafts over large communal tables and quiet corners. Fresh local produce straight from farmers is creatively crafted on the Moroccan menu, on which you'll find wholesome tagine combinations like goat, quince and almond and dishes like duck merguez, clams, eggplant and heirloom carrots. On warm Arabian nights, cool down with desserts like rosewater flan, dates and walnut nougatine as the DJ deck spins vinyl 'til late. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/south-yarra/restaurants-dining/bstilla http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/south-yarra/restaurants-dining/bstilla A little gossip over great coffee is a given at Chit Chats in Berwick, where all day breakfasts, light lunches and sweet treats add to the quintessential café experience. Commended by Melbourne's caffeine crazy as one of the top spots for a pick me up, Chit Chats coffee has the crowds talking – but it doesn't stop at the brew. Word has spread about town regarding Chit Chats impressive range of traditional and modern breakfasts, full of fresh ingredients and carefully presented with a signature touch; tuck into the Scottish brekkie of black pudding, square sausage, potato scone, bacon and poached eggs on sourdough; or if you're after something a little different, the jambalaya is their southern specialty, a spicy New Orleans rice dish of chicken, prawns, green peas, spicy sausage & tomato. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-eastern-suburbs/berwick/restaurants-dining/chit-chats http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-eastern-suburbs/berwick/restaurants-dining/chit-chats Cider, craft beer and contemporary cuisine – combined, they typify the Melbourne foodie crowd, who you can be assured will be satisfying the same very needs at Brunswick St Cider House. Lathered in urban cool style, this trendy hangout uses textured bare brick and polished cement, simply accessorised with large wine barrels and brown leather lounges to establish an unpretentious setting. Choose from one of 22 craft beers and ciders on tap or 45 varieties by the bottle; however, Brunswick St's famous brew is the specialty organic farmhouse cider, served from a French oak barrel. Alcohol free cider goes down just as smoothly for non drinkers, with all patrons enjoying dishes like szechuan salt and pepper squid with native finger lime or black eye bean curry. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/fitzroy/restaurants-dining/brunswick-st-cider-house http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/fitzroy/restaurants-dining/brunswick-st-cider-house Situated at the foot of a Port Melbourne residential high rise, with a panoramic beachfront view, the Mediterranean influenced Boat Restaurant takes away your worries with a simple sweep of its surrounds. Sophisticated and yet casual, this open air eatery allows an ocean breeze to pass over the brown banquettes and tables under the enclosed red sail, while inside candles sit atop white linen draped tables, tied in with a warm palette of chocolate and cream. Specialising in Greek cuisine, Boat Restaurant's menu is divided between brunch and dinner, meaning you can enjoy a well made coffee, weekend breakfasts and mid morning tapas like crispy calamari rings with aioli and saganaki cheese with lemon. Layered with beef mince, eggplant and potato, the traditional moussaka is a must-try dinner. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/port-melbourne/restaurants-dining/boat-restaurant http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/port-melbourne/restaurants-dining/boat-restaurant Servicing Footscray with food, flicks and fun since 1992, Bianco Café Lounge is a family friendly delight for all ages. What was once originally a video store has evolved to become the local's choice for an enjoyable night out; each evening at Bianco Café sees a different event taking place, while coffee and hot and cold café fare is dished out in comfortable, warm surrounds. Drop in for stand up comedy, trivia or karaoke or perhaps go for a round or two of pool before tucking into comforting café dishes. Specialising in generous, good value cafe fare, why not wrap your hands around one of Cafe Bianco's hearty burgers, or take your pick of tasty mains. Gelati and an array of tempting desserts keep young and old happy, as does the wide dvd rental selections for all cinematic tastes. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/western-suburbs/footscray/restaurants-dining/bianco-cafe-lounge http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/western-suburbs/footscray/restaurants-dining/bianco-cafe-lounge More than your average local, The Park Hotel in Werribee is also known as a craft beer hall and eatery, providing guests with a taste of dining and drinking from around the world. Polished yet cosy, The Park Hotel's modern style is typified with full length windows, exposed brick and timber; outside the large decked beer garden centred with astro turf lawn provides an ideal location to spend a few hours enjoying good company, light bites and tastings from the comprehensive beer and cider list. Small tapas style plates, larger mains and gourmet pizzas grace the menu, all of which are accompanied by beverage suggestions. Pair a golden ale with the Nordic style cod with potatoes, dill, graddfil and olives, or India black ale with the chocolate temptress tart and caramelised fig ice cream. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/western-suburbs/werribee/restaurants-dining/the-park-hotel-werribee http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/western-suburbs/werribee/restaurants-dining/the-park-hotel-werribee