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Rathdowne Tavern
Ph: (03) 9348 1133; 184 Rathdowne St, CARLTON 3053
Modern Italian, $$
Open 7 days noon-3pm, 6pm-late; Licensed; AE DC MC V EFT, Seats inside 60, Private room
Chef Craig Dowling (7-11-07) Owner Nicholas Harvey (7-11-07)
Mietta's Review
Isolated on its two corner site this big double-storey pub dominates the neighbourhood. It's not a pretty sight, layers of paint partially scrubbed off leaves it looking derelict. But, it's not. Inside is all white paint bright lights and spikey haired or pert blonde staff. Big openings have been cut in the walls of the numerous rooms that surrounded the bar creating a large flow-through space, part restaurant seating, part stand up bar. There have been better refurbs. Chef, Andrew Matthews, produces a strongly flavoured version of 'Italian'. Mains under $24.
Other published opinions
Age Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 14/20 "Behind the distressed exterior of this landmark corner pub lurks a stylish interior. Wander through the bright, sweeping front bar and you'll find the restaurant with its striped banquettes and orange walls; you'll also find the modern Italian menu characterised by a solid bistro approach rather than any breaking of new ground"
The Age Good Food Guide 2006 score 14/20 "Don't be fooled by the distressed exterior of this fine old pub - inside it's all clean lines and modern furnishings, with a long sweeping bar dominating the space. Under the stewardship of former Fenix chef Trevor Buhagiar, the dining room offers a fine mod-Oz menu with classical European foundations."
Herald Sun Bob Hart 7/5/05 "I like it too. But while Nicholas talks about the Italian Boom period, it still looks like late Pompeii to me. Inside, however, the place is cleanly designed, cleverly put together and handsomely finished. This is a very smart pub, with food and wine to match. ... All things considered, Rathdowne Tavern is a terrific place in a building that, in the 115 years that it has existed, has housed the Imperial Hotel, Martini's, Melba's, Vines and, most recently, the rough and tumble Minton-Connell."
The Age Good Food Guide 2005 "The interior has been gutted, and a central bar delineates the lounge and bistro areas. In the bistro you'll sit on stripy orange banquettes at tables set with paper on linen, eating southern Italian home cooking with a clean, bright twist."
The Age Cheap Eats 2005 "ONE of the new breed of renovated pubs, Rathdowne Tavern is one glam bistro. Note the blackboard list of boutique beers, the semi-unisex bathrooms and swish interior complete with chandeliers, blondwood fittings, and a fashionable crowd at the curved bar enjoying top wines by the glass."
The Age, A2,19/6/04, Melinda Houston,'In an almost forgotten strip of Carlton,there's something appealingly fresh and breezy its new look.Big windows,clean lines,white linen and circus stripped banquettes set the tone for the modern Italian menu.'
Herald Sun, citystyle, 22/6/04, Stephen Downes,Score 16/20,'Rathdowne Tavern is the real bistro thing.And while its simple, fresh and very good fare comes up trumps, its wine list is also very good. Prices on the latter are fair,and many wines are available by glass.'
The Age, A2, 20/3/04, Jane Faulkner,'The fixed-price menu-$18 for two courses and a glass of wine-is all about simple, unfussy food, and just the right amount for lunch.The only disappointment is the wines-either 'a red or a white'....the no-nonsense tucker is a choice of two entrees, three mains and two desserts, are fine.'
The Age, Epicure, 16/12/03, John Lethlean, score 14/20
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