Melbourne Insider: Cosy Corners

Thursday 17 June 2010, 10.09 AM
By The Team | Posted in Places

You may have seen Shane Delia’s “Melbourne Insider” in the City Weekly about the joys of food in the heart of town. His mouth-watering account of nights spent at Bar Lourinha certainly whetted our appetite for some cosy communal dining in the city. So if you share our cravings to huddle around a table and share some soul food with your mates, we’ve got the perfect recipe for you!

Red Spice Road
27 McKillop Street

While it was inspired by the spice trails of Asia, Red Spice Road has made itself right at home in the iconic laneways of Melbourne.  A distinct blend of Vietnamese and Thai influences are littered across a menu that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds if you can fit it).  You can get communal under Australia’s largest red lantern, which hangs over a unique circular table that can seat up to 60 – either bring all your friends or make some new ones!

Va Bene
 T10 Shed 9, Central Pier, 161 Harbour Esp, Docklands

Va Bene is the Italian phrase for  “it’s good!” and the name couldn’t be more fitting!  This pizzeria is a celebration of the European way of life, where community is the most important thing.  Take a seat at one of the long wooden tables, laugh, eat and take every moment as it comes.

The Journal Cafe
Ground 253-265 Flinders Lane

If you’re feeling a little intellectual, Journal is the stop for you.  Just next to the Melbourne City Library, it could be tempting to stock up on the latest literature and to be consumed over Journal’s fantastic coffee – but that’s not what communal dining is all about, is it?  Settle in around the vast middle table and swap tales over the latest Sicilian offering, as food here changes daily according to what is available.

Giuseppe Arnaldo & Sons
25/8 Whiteman St, Southbank

You could think of this lavish venue as a classic Roman Trattoria of the future, within the heart of Melbourne.  Confused?  Never fear, the food is fresh and uncomplicated traditional Roman fare, which makes the highly creative architecture of the venue that much easier to swallow.

Mecca Bah
55a NewQuay Prom, Docklands

There’s no need for a magic carpet to get to this waterside Moroccan eating house, though you will feel like you’ve entered a whole new world upon arrival.  Enjoy an informal, communal dining experience as you dig into a feast from the east.  Spice things up when the weather cools down, as exotic taste of Turkish Mezze and Pizzas are sure to excite your senses and make you feel all warm inside.

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