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

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CHAPTER 11 . MELBOURNE
17 Market Lane. & 03/9662 3655. Reservations required. Main courses A$30–A$45 (US$20–US$29). AE,
DC, MC, V. Mon–Sat noon–2:30pm and 6–10pm; Sun 6–10:30pm.
CARLTON
Brunetti TRATTORIA/PASTICCERIA A real Italian experience! You’ll
taste the best cakes, best gelato, and excellent coffee while gazing at the trompe
l’oeil paintings and frescos on the walls. Also worth sampling is their very
authentic range of dishes for lunch. This is the best thing this side of Rome!
198-204 Faraday St., Carlton.& 03/9347 2801. Mains A$12–A$25 (US$7.80-US$16). Cafe dishes A$3–A$8
(US$2–US$5.20). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon–Fri 7:am–10.30pm; Sat 8am–10.30pm. Tram: Any going north along
Swanston St. towards Melbourne University.
A VEGETARIAN DELIGHT IN CARLTON
Shakahari VEGETARIAN Good vegetarian food isn’t just a meal without
meat; it’s a creation in its own right. At Shakahari you are assured of a creative
meal that’s not at all bland. The large restaurant is quite low-key, and the service
can be a bit inconsistent. The Sate Samsara (skewered, lightly fried vegetables
and tofu pieces with a peanut dip) is a winner, as is the couscous, served in
a vast earthenware pot. Also served up are curries, croquets, tempura avocado,
and veggie burgers (on a plate with salad, not in a bun).
201–203 Faraday St., Carlton. & 03/9347 3848. Main courses A$14.50 (US$9.40). AE, DC, MC, V. Mon–Sat
noon–3:30pm; Sun–Thurs 6–9:30pm; Fri–Sat 6–10:30pm. Tram: Any tram going north along Swanston St.
toward Melbourne University.
FITZROY
Mario’s ITALIAN This place has ambience, groovy ’60s decor, great coffee,
and impeccable professional service. Breakfast is served all day as well as a varied
range of pastas and cakes. The art on the wall, all by local artists, is always
interesting and for sale too!
303 Brunswick St., Fitzroy. & 03/9417 3343. Main courses A$12–A$18 (US$7.80-US$11.70). AE, DC, MC,
V. Mon–Fri 7:am–10.30pm; Sat 8am–10.30pm.
SEASIDE DINING IN ST. KILDA
Chinta Blues MALAYSIAN Head to this very popular eatery if you’re looking
for simple, satisfying food with a healthy touch of spice. The big sellers are
the laksa (a spicy soup), the mei goreng (a noodle dish), the chicken curry, the
sambal (a spicy condiment) spinach, and a chicken dish called “ayam blues.”
Lots of noodles, too. It’s very busy, especially at lunch.
6 Acland St., St. Kilda. & 03/9534 9233. Reservations recommended. Main courses A$10–A$19 (US$6.50–
US$12). AE, MC, V. Mon–Sat noon–2:30pm; Mon–Wed 6–10pm; Thurs–Sat 6–10:45pm; Sun noon–9:45pm.
Tram: 16 from Swanston St. or 96 from Bourke St.
La Porchetta Pizza Restaurant PIZZA Value This busy, large, very noisy
pizza joint is a good value. There are some 22 different pizzas to choose from, with
Tips The Staff of Life
Babka Bakery. The enticing aroma of fresh bread is what attracts you to this
Russian-style cafe-bakery run by a delightful gaggle of young women.
Come for breakfast or a light lunch of eggs on fresh sourdough, quiches,
tarts, and brioches. Or perhaps the homemade borscht? It’s at 358
Brunswick St., Fitzroy & 03/9416 0091.