Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 11 . MELBOURNE
and Vietnamese restaurants; and Fitzroy has cheap Asian, Turkish, Mediterranean,
and vegetarian food. To see and be seen, head to Chapel Street or Toorak
Road in South Yarra, or to St. Kilda and join the throng of Melbournians dining
out along Fitzroy and Acland Streets. Most of the cheaper places in Melbourne
are strictly BYO (bring-your-own wine or beer). Smoking is no longer
possible in cafes and restaurants, so please think twice before offending both
staff and fellow patrons.
IN THE CITY CENTER
ah mu MALAYSIAN Voted best Malaysian in 2002 and 2003 by The Age
Good Food Guide, this restaurant continues to inspire. The cool and contemporary
interiors enhance the menu of chef Allen Woo whose characteristic modern
Asian cooking can lead to marinated fish grilled in banana leaf with citric sambal
belachan or lightly floured king prawns seared in ginger flower syrup.
51 Bourke St. & 03/9654 6800. www.ahmu.com. Reservations advisable Fri–Sat evenings. Main courses
A$18–A$29 (US$12–US$19). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon–Fri noon–10:30pm; daily 6–10:30pm.
Bamboo House NORTHERN REGIONAL CHINESE/CANTONESE
If Flower Drum (see below) is full (or breaks your budget), try this place, which
is esteemed by both the Chinese community and local business big shots. The
service here is a pleasure, and the food (especially the chicken with shallot sauce)
is worth writing home about. The waiters are all eager to help you construct a
feast from the myriad Cantonese and northern Chinese dishes. (Don’t leave
without a taste of the duck in plum sauce!) Other popular dishes include panfried
dumplings, spring onion pancakes, and the signature dish, Szechwan
smoked duck.
47 Little Bourke St. & 03/9662 1565. Reservations recommended. Main courses A$20–A$28 (US$13–
US$18). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon–Fri noon–3pm; Mon–Sat 5:30–11pm; Sun 5:30–10pm.
Café Segovia Finds CAFE Café Segovia is one of the most atmospheric
cafes in Australia, with a smoky, sensual interior reminiscent of Spain. Seating is
also available outside in the arcade, but you’ll have to come early at lunchtime
to nab a chair. Typical cafe food is on offer, such as focaccias, cakes, and light
meals. There is live music Thursday and Friday.
33 Block Arcade. & 03/9650 2373. Main courses A$8–A$13 (US$5.20–US$8.50). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon–Fri
7:30am–11pm; Sat 8am–6pm; Sun 9am–5pm.
Chocolate Buddha NOODLES Located within the precinct of Federation
Square, this place offers mostly organic produce, including some organic wines.
Based mostly on Japanese inspired ramen, soba, and other noodles to which
meat, chicken, or seafood is added, it’s casual yet particularly satisfying dining.
Food is creative, and the view across the square to the Yarra river and Southbank
is a delight at dusk.
Federation Square, corner Flinders and Swanson sts. & 03/9654 5688. Reservations not required. Main
courses A$13–$17 (US$8.45–US$11). AE, MC, V. Daily Noon-10:30pm.
Hopetoun Tearooms CAFE The first cup of coffee served in this Melbourne
institution left the pot in 1892. It’s very civilized, with green-and-white Regency
wallpaper and marble tables. The cakes are tasty, the sandwiches and focaccias reasonably
priced, and scones, croissants, and grilled food are also available.
Shops 1 and 2, Block Arcade, 280–282 Collins St., Melbourne. &/fax 03/9650 2777. Main courses
A$4.50–A$8.50 (US$2.90–US$5.55); minimum charge A$5 (US$3.25) per person noon–2pm. AE, DC, MC, V.
Mon–Thurs 8:30am–5pm; Fri 8:30am–6pm; Sat 10am–3:30pm. Closed Sun.