Stop+3+-+Melbourne+on+a+plate-Mere

M elbourne on a p late Melbourne is immersed in an array of classical, contemporary and new style cuisines, which acts as an attraction for tourists. We have such a high and well-respected food culture, which leads us top be dubbed as the unofficial food capital of Australia. Our city boats a diverse, multicultural society, which is reflected through the range and quality of the cuisines that Melbourne is famous for. Our dining and food culture has obvious European influences; it’s no wonder why we have such developed and delicious restaurant whose cuisines hail from the Mediterranean region, yes I am talking about our world-class to home-style Italian, Greek and Spanish cuisines. Sushi and coffee is like Melbourne's bread and water, they're synonymous with our metropolitan lifestyle, that shows how the immigrants from through out the years have influenced our modern lifestyle. In my opinion there are iconic restaurants that summarize Melbourne on a plate.

MoVida is the pinnacle of Melbourne's dining, a Iberian influence, exclusivity and a lane way location. Back in 2003, when Melbourne was having an affair with Iberian cuisine, this was instigated by MoVida. MoVida's menu had a Spanish-Mediterranean fusion menu that pair season and fresh produce with the famous Spanish flair that the cuisine possesses and with only 36 seats, MoVida is extremely exclusive. Spice and flavor is a prominent component of the food. MoVida is set in the iconic Hosier lane, you can admire the street art whilst you eat Aceitunas and sip on wine from Penedas, Spain. MoVida has been dubbed one of the most innovative tapas bars in Melbourne. As well as being ranked #1 of Melbourne's favorite restaurants of 2010, MoVida was the winner of the World Food Media Awards with their recipe book "MoVida Rustica - Spanish traditions and recipes." Remember to book at least one month in ahead due the the lack of seats and exclusivity and to learn basic Spanish such as: //Hola, puedo por favour tener el ?, gracias// - Hello, can i please have the ? , thank-you MoVida is such a well respected and a typically Melbournian restaurant, no wonder it's such a popular tourist destination.
 * 1 Hosier Lane - Spanish **

Campari house, formerly Campari Bistro, is another lane way located restaurant. Set over four level, Campari House is the ultimate Italian dining experience which reflects the diverse food culture in Melbourne. The ground floor houses a modern Italian menu. All furnishing on this level were reused and refurbished from the former decor, this level has vintage feel with contemporary elements which is showcased in the food. The ground floor serves classic Italian dishes with a contemporary and modern aesthetic. The next level can be hired for corporate and private functions. Dinning in an extremely large group? Consider hiring out this space, you can pre-select the menu and it won't be crowded with people and the chatter of their conversations. Level two is the perfect place to share a plate of food with friends and sip a cocktail. The tapas inspired menu is a selection of small, Italian deli style dishes, that have a simple yet delicious flavor. The rooftop, al fresco seating is the perfect place for a pizza, the atmosphere is amazing. There are tables set up with stools, sheltered with umbrellas. Its reminiscent of the old style bar tables. The ground is covered in astro turf and the view of the city is unique. I recommend the twice baked goats cheese souffle with caponata and orange braised witlof. There are 80 seats in the ground floor and the ground level is wheel chair accessible.
 * 23-25 Hardware Lane - Italian **

Pireaus Blues, has made a promise to serve delicious, seasonal, home-style Greek cooking that their mothers made. The restaurant is family run, authentic Greek restaurant with the menu is derived from family dishes from the north of Greece to the Mediterranean. There is a tavern style theme with a contemporary, warm, homey atmosphere. Pireaus Blues emulates the Greek heritage of Melbourne with the dishes that it offers. 60-70% of their menu is vegetarian, and the restaurants is wheel chair accessible. The menu is available online so you can have an idea of what dishes you want. Make sure you check out the daily changing specials board located in the restaurants. I recommend the stuffed zucchini flower and the lemon lamb. Are you dining in a group? Then choose a mixed grill plate. You must have dessert and coffee after dinner, it is a tradition. There are numerous bars around Pireaus Blues, so if you feel like an after dinner drink then you won't have to walk far. // "...In 1995 the idea was formulated to introduce Greek cooking as we knew at home, to the Melbourne public. With the help of our mothers, who we are proud to say still do a great deal of cooking in the restaurant, the concept was realized and the doors to Pireaus Blues were opened! We, as young Greeks are proud to continue presenting traditional Greek cooking as it has been from generation to generation to our diners. Today, Pireaus Blues is recognized as Melbourne's most authentic Greek Restaurant." // - Lazaros and George of Pireaus Blues. This statement is proudly displayed in every menu in Pireaus Blues as well as their website.
 * 310 Brunswick Street - Greek **

These restaurants, however iconic to Melbourne, don't show case the high standard Asian cuisines that our city possesses. As there are too many restaurants to name I'm going to do one of the most innovative and popular restaurants. This restaurants is one of Melbourne's best kept secrets.

**R****estaurant- First floor, 252 Swanston Street - Thai** Cookie is an iconic Melbourne restaurant with it's modern style Thai food. It combines Melbourne's cohesive nightlife with it's love for exclusivity and dining. Cookie is located in the old Tattersalls building, which has been converted to fit in a restaurant, bar and nightclub. The three components to Cookie are named: the Eating House, Beer Hall and the Disco. The Eating House has a retro vibe paired with European influences in the decor,lay out of the restaurant and the serving of the beverages, it's quite a surprise to find out that the cuisine is strictly modern Thai. The menu is loosely based on tapas in the portion size and serving of the food. Think of this place as a tapas restaurant that serves Thai food. No matter the weather this restaurant is always busy which is a good sign, the busier the restaurant usually means the higher quality the food is. Don't come here for a quiet meal, patrons have though of it as a bar that serves food, yet if you're a person that enjoys socializing this is the place for you. One floor above the Eating House is the Beer Hall and the Disco. There are 'Juliet' balconies located on each floor where you can admire the bustling Swanston street. Cookie is open for lunch and dinner but it's best for dinner, make sure not to go on a Friday night, as this is Cookies busiest time. It's wheel chair accessible and it's open noon till 11pm.

It's no wonder Melbourne was dubbed the unofficial food capital of Australia, our city has a world class food and dining culture. Melbourne houses some of the most influential, delicious, diverse and award wining restaurants and bars. This is an iconic aspect of Melbourne, and every tourist should visit at least one of these restaurants to have a taste of what I think summarizes Melbourne on a plate.

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