Foodies: Which Melbourne Restaurant?

[fionas]

DP owes me a REALLY nice meal for my 40th birthday and it's a while since I had my finger on the pulse.

Where would you go?

Money no real object since DP's paying!

Preferably close, like really close, (staggering distance) to some bars where we'll find a seat.

I used to like going to Matteos in North Fitzroy because it was next to The Newry Hotel so I could combine sticky carpet pub with fancy restaurant but pub has now closed.

So that would be my ideal - fancy restaurant next door to grungy/small/decadent/preferably not TOO many suits/ bar.

[Mak]

Hmm not sure if it fits the criteria as I have yet to make it to either but I would love to go to The Press Club or Hellenic Republic - maybe a response to too much Masterchef though.... Also lusting after Nobu and Rockpool but not so keen on the whole Crown scenario. Have a great dinner - I look forward to reading the ideas and your review!

[luna moth]

The Royston Hotel in Richmond has a lovely formal dining room and nice menu. No suits because they stick to Bridge Rd. Mountain Goat brewery is nearby too, you don't have to love beer to enjoy it, but it helps (Fridays only last i was there, but they had applied for more days.)
When they kick you out, head for Burnley St, left to hubcap nightclub (a bit undergound, good drinks) or right and stumble up to the Terminus Hotel, and out the back to the beer garden.

That's my perfect Friday night in Melbourne

Spargo's in Richmond is also nice, their dining room is beautiful.
The old post office on Swan St is good too (can you tell I lived in Richmond?) and their menu is very swish, then you could cruise down to mumbler or bar 9t4, then burn on to the Central Club Hotel for a laugh (if it's been rebuilt after the fire)

Hmmm... I'll keep thinking.

[Nai]

The Royston Hotel in Richmond has a lovely formal dining room and nice menu. No suits because they stick to Bridge Rd. Mountain Goat brewery is nearby too, you don't have to love beer to enjoy it, but it helps (Fridays only last i was there, but they had applied for more days.)
.

Snugglybean - when you are in Melbourne next we are going out! Mountain Goat is one of our fave places! DD1 even had her head wetting there. So Fiona - I second this recommendation It is open Wednesdays and Fridays too by the way.

[feeb]

Pure Southe (southbank)
Rockpool (crown)
Waterfront (crown)
Bearth (docklands)
Livebait (docklands)
Conservatory (crown)
Melba (langham hotel)

Above are all nice meals out!!!! enjoy your night out will see what else i can think off

[Roryrory]

Vue de Monde is veeery nice but DH and I spent the equivalent of our rates notice in one night.

Momo has just reopened and is very cool - next to the Spice Bar(?)

Cutler & Co is supposed to be good.

I personally love Maha and Movida

[Astrid]

I saw the thread title and thought of Donovans. Great restaurant, but does not really meet the rest of your requirements.