Melbourne Dining and Nightlife – New Hotspots
Mediterranean cooking is the focus of our new hotspots this month with new Italian and Greek restaurants creating a buzz among food lovers this month.
+39 Pizzeria & Degustation, 362 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne (03) 9642 0440
The name originated from Italy's international code, and the food specialises in pizza and other popular dishes influenced by the country's regions Abruzzo and Puglia - welcome to +39.
The newest artisan inspired Pizzeria to hit Melbourne's CBD for breakfast, lunch and dinner, +39 serves a degustation of regional Italian food put together by flamboyant chef Donato Cofano, who owned a popular restaurant, Centopoveri, in Florence for many years.
As the newest venture for founder Remo Nicolini of popular hot-spots, Carlton Espresso and Espressino, +39 offers its patrons a similar dining ambience of clean lines, white walls and polished concrete floors.
The modern take on the interior mirrors that of the fine cuisine. Traditional wood-styled boards loaded with selections of fresh and aged cheeses, cured meats and plump olives makes you feel like you are experiencing the traditional Italian trimmings wrapped up in a modern and delicious concept.
With Remo Nicolini's amazing background in Italian cuisine, it definitely benchmarks itself as a professional in pizza. Choose from fresh ingredients such as artichoke hearts, mushroom, leg ham and olives that seem to be destined to sit atop the warm, perfectly cooked base.
+39 provides its patrons with a compelling excuse to add on a few extra hours to your lunch break- to truly master the gourmet italiano experiece!
Bond Street Café & Wine Bar, 4a Bond Street, South Yarra (03) 9824 1161
One of Melbourne’s most renowned restaurateurs, Mauro Marcucci, has a brand new café and wine bar that has hit the Melbourne food-scene.
The talented team of foodies include Michael Stevens in front of house, formerly of Stokehouse and Comme and Luigi Buono, ex-Enotec Vino Bar, who is lead in the kitchen.
Tucked away just off Chapel Street - Bond Street Café and Wine Bar offers high quality food and wine options.
Opened at the start of this year, Bond Street offers tapas style sharing, however, Marcucci recognises the importance of main courses too, catering for those who like to be satisfied. And satisfied they are. It has a delectable menu of mouth-watering dishes that seem to perfectly accompany the wine list.
It is not just its food that has everything going for it – the interior was commended at the 2009 Interior Design Awards.
Greek Grill, Beer Deluxe, Federation Square (03) 9650 3822
Opened last month, Greek Grill provides visitors with traditional and authentic Greek dishes served up in a relaxed setting.
Greek Grill provides diners with the opportunity to experience Greek food in the classic way. Experience recipes that have been unchanged for generations accompanied by a Greek beer or glass of wine.
Traditional Greek banquets to be shared amongst friends pose the perfect winter warmers, with a large range of mezedes options and main courses to delight even the most discerning Greek critic.