Top Melbourne Dining Experiences 2009-2010
The original title of this post was going to be ‘Top Five Dining Experiences 2009-2010′. But I have only been able to narrow it down to six restaurants. Six didn’t sound right. Needed to be a multiple of five.
Anyway..
Here are my top SIX dining experiences from mid 2009-2010.
When I say ‘Top Dining Experiences’ I am referring to more than just the food. I’ve been to many restaurants over the past year where the food has been spectacular, but I wouldn’t call eating at these places an experience. The following six restaurants are memorable to me because they had it all: fabulous food, beautiful wines, outstanding service and that extra little something that transforms a meal into a culinary adventure.
Svago
This is a big call, but I really think that Svago is my favourite restaurant in Melbourne. The menu consists of Stuzzichini (bite-sized appetisers) and Piatti (entree-sized dishes), all of which are designed to be shared. The flavours in the food are incredible – traditional Italian cooking presented with flair and style. What really stands out for me at Svago is the service. The waiters welcome you as if you are arriving at their own home for dinner. They are passionate about the food. And they remember who you are. One waiter took the time to apologise to me for the fact that their (previous) chef wouldn’t change a dish for my Dad’s dietary requirements, when we revisited six months after it had happened. Impressive huh?
I could continue gushing but I won’t. Just go there. Trust me.
Jacques Reymond
This place sells itself really. If you do go all out and order the degustation, you MUST have the matched wines. You just must. Beautiful food + beautiful wines = good. Beautiful food + beautiful wines matched by sommelier Nathalie Reymond = yowza. Expensive? Yes. Worth every penny? IMHO, yes.
What really impressed me was the effort that was made to ensure I didn’t feel that I was missing out because I am allergic to fish (not seafood thank god). Rather than giving me a token vegetarian dish, this is what happened:
Mr’s Hiramasa kingfish and ponzu, Hervey Bay scallop, spiced nougatine with peanuts, warm leek and chilli gherkin dressing:
My thai oil infused watermelon and..something. Matched wines were taking their toll. But it was good!
Mr’s Snapper with four peppers, fennel and white balsamic, sencha and lime emulsion:
My duck with crispy skin salad, squid & yoghurt tempura ball. My dish was BETTER.
This restaurant is fine dining at its absolute best. Plus, Jacques is a total dude.
The Point
Reasons to visit The Point rather than Rockpool:
1) It is not in Crown.
2) It is not in Crown.
3) IT IS NOT IN CROWN.
Also
4) The Point is less expensive and better value for money.
5) The service is better. Far better.
6) The side dishes are less expensive and more varied.
7) They have this on display:
Mmm….dead cow. Go to The Point. It’s good.
Il Solito Posto
This is my Dad’s favourite restaurant. Whenever he comes across to Melbourne for business, he lives in the bistro. Warm friendly ambience, chatty enthusiastic (and slightly mental) waiters, superb wine list. And pasta that looks like this:
They also make chocolate gnocchi. Look at the mess I made. This was disgustingly good.
Porgie + Mr Jones
In addition to their fantastic breakfast menu (smashed avocado, mmm), Porgie + Mr Jones have recently opened for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. Three course set menu. BYO. $65 including corkage. Did someone say CRAZY BARGAIN?! I mean, you would expect to pay between $30-$40 for this eye fillet alone:
The presentation of all the food is beautiful. Look: dessert in a jam jar!
Porgies also serve complimentary champagne when they debut a new menu – could this place get any better?! You can chat to Mr Jones on Twitter here: @mrjonesbytevent
Farmers Arms Hotel – Daylesford
This is the pub that I just couldn’t cut from my list to make it an even five. The lunch I had here several weeks ago (recommended by Spatula, Spoon and Saturday ) was just perfect:
Pork, sage and apple sausages served over cassoulet. Perfect perfect perfect. Especially combined with the open fire and the rain pattering on the window of the pub. Definitely worth driving to Daylesford for this meal. Plus, how can you not love a place that looks like this:
So in summary:
I am a pig.
Go forth and gorge.
Food gobbler. Wine lover. Kitteh keeper. Gen-Y. Fiancée. Twitter addict.
Fighting the war against Leggings As Pants one fashion victim at a time... 
Great post!!!
Thanks Jen!
Mhmm delicious! Dessert in a jam jar = totally awesome! And welcome to the blogging world :)
It WAS awesome. Thanks for the welcome!
hmmmm…I still love Rockpool, no matter what you say ;)
Let’s save our pennies and do a tweet-up at both. Then we can decide once and for all!
Great blog Miss Melbourne. Loved reading it!
Thanks very much! Glad you enjoyed the read :)
Another eating buddy. And why not. the more the merrier!
No such thing as too many little piggies right? :)
Yay, a new Melb foodie blogger! Can’t wait to read more about your adventures. There’s chocolate gnocchi out there? Be still my beating heart.
Hi Emma! Yes yes…go discover it, it’s amazing. LOVE your blog, another one to add to my reader :)