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The 2008
Mietta Song Recital Award

Illia

Ph: (03) 9640 0422; 180 William St, Melbourne 3000

Australian Modern, $
Open mon-fri 7am-5pm: bar fri 5pm-late; Licensed; AE BE DC MC V EFTPOS, Seats inside 80, Outside seats 30

Mietta's Review
There are the outside tables on the upper level on the Little Bourke St side then down six steps to the cafe proper. Outside but set back from William St is space for a couple of tables and a mobile bench top with half a dozen stools. Set on wheels and with a ledge under for magazines and papers, this is a popular al fresco spot for nearby office workers and Melbourne's legal fraternity. Inside is the bar which has a big display of filled foccacias, drinks dispense and coffee machine and behind that the tiniest kitchen imaginable. The two chefs and a kitchen hand serve out quite a substantial menu which includes breakfast specials from 7-11.30am and a range of daily specials writ boldly in black texter on the bright red wall. The other wall is dominated by two huge Bally posters which tone in well with the black banquettes, black chairs and black topped little tables edged with stainless and their shiny black chairs. It all still feels quite new and the staff of young waitresses in a variety of black outfits are enthusiastic about their work. One of the best things they do is to bring good quality bread with labna (yoghurt with paprika oil) which is a great alternative to olive oil with the ubiquitous black puddle of balsamic vinegar which appears everywhere. All in all Illia is a great place to watch the law go by.

Other published opinions

The Age Cheap Eats 2006 In the shadow of the Supreme Court is this green-tiled lawyer lunch room. You can't miss it: the place hums (and occasionally roars) as clerks and associates choose their panini and roti wraps from the walk-up bar

The Age Cheap Eats 2005 "NESTLED beneath a barristers' chambers, a gavel's throw from the Supreme Court, this green-tiled cave is a de facto tearoom for Melbourne's legal fraternity."The Age Cheap Eats 2004,Good,'The simple yet appealingly written menu,swift service,and prices that won't draw the attention of the expense account police make it a standout in otherwise bland culinary territory...The dark and moody interior is perfect for winter,while outdoor tables are great for Melbourne's sunnier turns.'