Honestly loved this place, first time here and it won’t be my last, definitely satisfied my Italian tastebuds AND food was still available at 10:30pm like wow. Made my night. Service was very chilled but professional.
![Zomato]( "Recensione")
Tucked in a laneway behind both Grossi and Ombra is Arlechin also of the same restaurant group serving up complex cocktails and late night nibbles. If you see the spaghetti mural and string of dumpsters, you're in the right vicinity.
I get one of their specialty cocktails, their Roman Rye Fizz which a few other people seemed to be ordering that night. It was okay, I thought it'd have more impact and it had a rather dry finish. Wasn't very sweet as expected from the notes of honey and grapefruit, citrusy with a pleasant woodiness from the rosemary.
The menu is a combination of familiar comfort food and modern. Take their jaffle bolognese, filled with hot meaty sauce with a generous shaving of parmesan. I was expecting some spaghetti inside but it was much like a hot meat pie, I'd like it either way. I suggest the fork and knife, it's almost impossible to avoid jaffle sauce spillage. They also do various pasta dishes (unfortunately did not try) if you're feeling extra hungry.
We also had a plate of salami and pickles, enjoyed the fattiness of the salami and various house pickled vegetables. Their cured kingfish with blood orange, capers and cucumber was decent also, I just wish the sizing was larger so I could pick out each ingredient. I loved the crackers that accompanied it however, addictively crispy and lightly salted.
We had some lightly fried calamari paired with preserved lemon rinds and a spread of mayo. Not much to it but it was perfectly cooked and soft. Same could be said with their octopus skewer with pesto cetarese, really tender and slightly smokey. Lastly was some cod, texture was firm and flaky. It had the most luxurious onion and parsley sauce that paired well with the fish.
For dessert we shared some comte paired with mustard fruit. The cheese was delightful and sharp, the candied mustard fruit was what blew me away. Never had it before and it had that mild mustard kick to it, sweet and delicious, kind of like me. We got the same crackers (as mentioned before) accompanying this dish which was very welcome. The frangelico semifreddo with gianduja was right down my alley, not overly sweet and had a lovely nuttiness to it. The shards had the most amazing texture, airy and snappy, kind of like honeycomb.
It got pretty busy afterwards with people flowing in for a few drinks. Staff were very friendly, food reasonably priced and flowed well. You'd have no trouble going through most the menu with a group of 4.
Cute hidden laneway bar! Cool cocktails, not your standard cocktail menu and staff are friendly and assisting when ordering. The Bolognese Jaffle is a great snack - plenty of filling and smothered in cheese...made the way a jaffle should be!
Such a cool little hidden cocktail bar in Melbourne’s CBD. Great moody vibe and extensive drinks list. Food menu is also decent. We ordered the oysters, fried chicken, kingfish sashimi, the salami with pickled vegetables and the fried calamari. The calamari was the standout for sure.
Nice bar small food menu. Service very nice polite and friendly. They don't have much food suggestions.
Bolonganize with bread toast very nice twist of bite. Then I like their saffron orzo pasta good balance taste. Calamari really wow for me with parsley dust.
Only thing don't like the dessert, just a braised peach with ice cream not so nice.
But over all its good option for first try...
What a great find down a melbourne laneway. Cosy and atmospheric, with a hint of chic. Enjoyed cocktails and nibbles before heading to an early show. Staff were excellent too and the background music got us into the groove.
An intimate and classy establishment, with simple furnishings and a well set up bar area. The bartenders make their careers in hospitality. You can see it in their attention to detail and you can hear it in their conversations with you about their recommendations. They share their knowledge generously. I really enjoyed Lorenzo's assistance in helping us better understand scotch when I asked for some information. He was knowledgeable and passionate. Equally so if you want to be left alone they will serve you well and stay out of your way. The drinks list is extensive, cocktails are unique and the service is exceptional. Make sure you find out what they have on offer. Not everything behind the bar is on the menu. I will definitely be back.
Came here at 2am with mates, loved it! Finding the place is an adventure in itself, italian food was awesome. Very sleek and good for dates and hanging out with close mates.
Excellent venue. I’m very impressed by the cocktails and the ambience. I’ll definitely be back for another round of late night drinks. It’s such a classy and friendly place. Big ups!
The best bar food I have ever had and just the right portion for a late night meal. Also I love Italian and I think their Italian food is definitely comparable to one of those highly rated Italian restaurants. Nice cocktails and good atmosphere too!
So fabulous - love that it’s walk-in only, the menu is full of delicious little bites (the croquettes are beyond delicious, the pasta exceptional, the bolognaise jaffle as good as it souds) and the cocktails are inventive yet restrained. Can’t wait to go back!
Sophisticated joint for fancy cocktails. Great ambiance, the staff were delightful. There's also great food options. The oysters here were so fresh and delicious!
Had a truly amazing experience here. The drinks were incredible. The staff were entertaining and very attentive. This place is a must visit in Melbourne!
Small little gem with an impressive Aussie Italian wine list the design is well fitted out and easy on the eye staff are super friendly and will go out of their way to help you choose. Soak up the setting with cool sounds piping through and enjoy great food big bonus open till late... locals only please
This is a great hidden gem for a late night bite and drink after the theatre! The Italian wait staff were awesome, the drinks list expansive, and the tapas style food was magnificent!
Best food ever. And the staff are absolutely fabulous. The way ever describe the food and wine is phenomenal. Highly recommend this place. If you can find it...
One of if not the best late night food and beverage places, fantastic for hospitality workers. Very welcoming great service and there food is exactly what you want after a 11 hour shift
The best oysters I've ever had. Jaffle was AMAZING
Make a reservation
Order online
Find the best restaurant in Melbourne
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes