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

GREAT DEALS ON DINING 543
the largest ranging in price from A$6 to A$7.80 (US$4.20–US$4.50) being just
large enough to fill two. A range of pasta dishes costs from A$6 to A$9 (US$4.20–
US$6.30). Chicken, seafood, veal, and steaks are also on the menu. The heartpounding
pace here means it’s not for the faint-hearted.
80 Acland St., St. Kilda. & 03/9534 1888. Main courses A$5–A$14 (US$3.20–US$9.10). No credit cards.
Sun–Thurs 11am–midnight; Fri–Sat 11am–2am. Tram: 16 from Swanston St. or 96 from Bourke St.
Worth a Splurge
Donovans MODERN MEDITERRANEAN Donovans is so near the
sea you expect the fish to jump through the door and onto the plate—and
indeed, you do get extremely fresh seafood. The restaurant is all higgledy-piggledy
and charming, with lots of cushions, a log fire, and the sound of jazz and
breakers on the beach. The menu includes a mind-boggling array of dishes,
many big enough for two. Chef Robert Castellani’s trademarks include steamed
mussels, linguini with seafood, and stuffed squid. The bar is perfect for watching
the sun go down.
40 Jacka Blvd., St. Kilda. & 03/9534 8221. Reservations recommended. Main courses A$23–A$36
(US$15–US$23). Daily noon–10:30pm. AE, DC, MC, V. Tram: 12 from Collins St., 16 from Swanston St., 94 or
96 from Bourke St.
MORE ETHNIC EATS IN SOUTH YARRA
Kanpai JAPANESE You have to book early in the day to get a seat at this
popular restaurant on the Chapel Street restaurant strip. The sushi and sashimi
dishes are very fresh, and the miso soup is well worth plundering. There’s also a
good vegetarian selection as well.
569 Chapel St., South Yarra. & 03/9827 4379. Reservations recommended. Main courses A$12–A$34
(US$7.80–US$22); average price A$12.50 (US$8.10). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily noon–11pm. Tram: 6, 8, or 72 from
Swanston St.
Tandoor Indian Restaurant INDIAN This basic Indian restaurant was
far less crowded than many of the others on the Chapel Street strip when I last
visited—all I can say is that the “in” crowd didn’t know what they were missing.
The curries here are rich and spicy, with the vegetarian paneer–butter
masala and the cheese kofta being some of the best I’ve tasted in Australia.
Some dishes, such as the crab masala curry, are truly inspirational. The main
courses are quite large, so you’ll probably not need a first course, but I highly
recommend side dishes of naan bread (one per person) and a cucumber raita to
cool the palate.
517 Chapel St., South Yarra. & 03/9827 8247. Reservations recommended Fri–Sat night. Main courses
A$11–A$22 (US$7.15–US$14). AE, DC, MC, V. Tues–Fri and Sun noon–2:30pm; daily 6–11pm. Tram: 6, 8, or
72 from Swanston St.
Yeah Maan CARIBBEAN Is this the coolest restaurant in Australia or what?
Calypso music wafts amid the homemade triangle-backed chairs, diners wait in
the lounge or at the new bar for a table to become free, palm trees sway—and the
food! Wow! The whole place is rockin’, with seats almost continually occupied.
The authentic Trinidadian goat curry is a must, as is the Barbados burrito. The
Jamaican KFC (chicken marinated for 2 days in approximately 30 spices and then
smoked), and the Jumbo–Jumbie cassava shoestring fries (cassava is similar to a
potato) are very, very popular. An upstairs dining room has recently opened. The
staff is ultra-friendly.
340 Punt Rd. (at Fawkner St.), South Yarra. & 03/9820 2707. Licensed and BYO. Main courses A$13–A$19
(US$8.45–US$12). MC, V. Tues–Sat 6–11:30pm. Tram: 6, 8, or 72 from Swanston St.