The top restaurants in Melbourne based on the independant reviews of the Australian Good Food Guide. http://www.agfg.com.au/ en-au Copyright 2008 Australian Good Food Guide Publishing Pty Ltd rss@agfg.com.au (AGFG Webmaster) webmaster@agfg.com.au (AGFG Webmaster) Mon, 19 Jul 2010 03:39:05 GMT Winner of the Australian Good Food and Accommodation Guide's Chef of the Year for 2007, Shannon Bennett is a true culinary artist. Having trained under some of the worlds best chefs, he has evolved into one of them. Bennett's menu is continually evolving with imaginative and enchanting combinations. The likes of Scallop marinated in yuzu served over pumpkin purée with bouillabaisse air and caviar; or Confit duck leg and roast breast with roast peach, pistachios & thyme topped with pomme soufflé. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/vue-de-monde http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/vue-de-monde Set in a renovated Heritage listed Victorian mansion in Prahran, Jacques Reymond seeks to impress & initiate your appetite. A combination of French cooking techniques with a hint of Asian influence is executed with sophistication & flair. Celebrity Chef Reymond is guaranteed to satisfy with his entrée size meals, ensuring you sample a wide range from the extensive list. Inside eclectic coloured chair cushioning provides comfort, amongst the elegant & delicately decorated French dining room. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/prahran/restaurants-dining/jacques-reymond http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/prahran/restaurants-dining/jacques-reymond Attica located in Ripponlea offers diners a unique and understated dining experience. The décor is minimal with earthy natural colours that create a subtle but swish ambience. Diners can anticipate and expect a menu and accompanying dishes that are reminiscent of the new food movement. The menu could include beef, sour milk jam, dandelion salt, asparagus. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/ripponlea/restaurants-dining/attica http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/ripponlea/restaurants-dining/attica There's a sense of industrial eeriness meets underground glam at Cutler & Co. in Fitzroy. Past wallpaper prints & paint jobs have been scrubbed away to reveal stripped brick walls. Peculiar but funky looking lights create an ambience that is cool and secretive, somewhat Gotham City. Dark deep timber floors are the stage for the simply arranged tables in the dimly lit dining room. The menu may include slow cooked baby chicken, creamed corn, white miso and grilled spring onion. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/fitzroy/restaurants-dining/cutler-co http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/fitzroy/restaurants-dining/cutler-co Grooving & sitting cool & content in St Kilda is Circa, The Prince. Spaces & places to chill & consume, make this laid back but luxurious, venue a hub of contemporary cool. You're sure to gravitate to the somewhat mismatched but chic dining room setting, with kimono style chairs in the dining room & funky mushroom print. For a restful sanctuary the deck has plush outdoor lounges & drinks to match. The menu could include Braised sweet & sour goat, polenta, parsley, white anchovy. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/st-kilda/restaurants-dining/circa-the-prince http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/southern-suburbs/st-kilda/restaurants-dining/circa-the-prince Grossi Florentino in the exciting Bourke Hill dining precinct is Melbourne's quintessential Italian Restaurant. Equipped with a colourful history that spans over a century, as well as an iconic reputation, this venue has contributed to the cultural and culinary growth of Australia. Owner and executive chef Guy Grossi and Chef De Cuisine Chris Rodriguez, work vigorously with a passionate team, driven to seek excellence & execution with style. The menu may include Crumbed lamb cutlets, goat's cheese salmoriglio, mint, mache and pea salad. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/grossi-florentino http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/grossi-florentino Commit to an experience of minimal magnificence, à la Neil Perry style at Rockpool Bar & Grill inside Crown Casino. On first glances the dining room may appear simple; navy blue chairs blend harmoniously with its primary colour partner, red, to create a warm, but uncomplicated setting. Heightening the ambience are the eight metre high ceilings, creating a grandeur of space & suaveness. Little details here create that special dining experience. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/southbank/restaurants-dining/rockpool-bar-grill http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/southbank/restaurants-dining/rockpool-bar-grill Located at the Yarra end of Church St, Pearl is cool & bright with a relaxed & welcoming attitude. The open bar area features a pearl backdrop that shimmers by day & glows by night; the dining room provides a tranquil ambience to enjoy the superb food created by Chef Geoff Lindsay. The alfresco courtyard is perfect for cool drinks & light meals. The menu in the dining room may include Tapioca crusted red snapper, fried Japanese eggplant, spicy longan and pomelo vinaigrette with forbidden rice. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-eastern-suburbs/richmond/restaurants-dining/pearl http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-eastern-suburbs/richmond/restaurants-dining/pearl Who doesn't enjoy a bit of people watching in an art deco / fashion district? What better place to do it then at Flinders Lane at Cumulus Inc. Its sleek, simple and understated sexy setting make for bustling business 24/7. Tables litter the hardwood floors that look out onto Flinders lane from metal framed windows. The menu may include Mustard crumbed pig's tail, garlic snails, pickled shallots and watercress. http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/cumulus-inc http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/cumulus-inc Flower drum has a well known history amongst foodies and Melbournians alike. An unlikely building is the venue for this Cantonese culinary delight, which is accessed predominantly by a lift, or stairs, if you want to build the appetite. It maybe windowless but the décor of the roomy dining room keeps you interested; with traditional artworks and flower arrangements in a warm setting. The menu could include Roast Duck breast Tender whole roasted duck breast served w/a sour tangerine skin sauce http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/flower-drum http://www.agfg.com.au/guide/vic/melbourne/melbourne-inner-city/melbourne-city/restaurants-dining/flower-drum