Mietta's Guide to Australian Restaurants
LocationBar Santo
Ph: 9534 1236; 7 Fitzroy St, St Kilda 3182 www.barsanto.com.au
Italian, $
Open Tue-fil 11am-late sat-sun 8am-late; Licensed; AE DC MC V EFT
Mietta's Review
Right on the curve of Fitzroy St where diners can look out onto trams groaning around the corner partially obscuring the palm trees near the Palais. Well done Italian food at very reasonable prices make this one of St Kilda's better destinations. Warm candle-lit ambience at night.
Other published opinions
The Age Cheap Eats 2009 "There's spag bol and then there's handmade rigatoni with slow-cooked lamb ragu. They may look alike but at Bar Santo you'll understand the difference"
The Age Cheap Eats 2008 "Distracted by Fitzroy Street's human menagerie, you might miss this unassuming little place"
The Age Cheap Eats 2007 "Thoughtful food, gentle Italian-accented waitresses, diners stretching out the newspaper over their tables: Bar Santo is a happy, serene place. It's Melbourne-does-Italy by the beach."
The Age Cheap Eats 2006
The Age Cheap Eats 2005 "While you perch at the heavy oak bar or recline on a banquette, devoted staff will all but genuflect as they herald the specials."
The Age Cheap Eats 2004,Somewhere we highly recommend,'Friendly,attentive service,a simple,stylish dining room and classic cafe food done well...After dark,candles glow on clothed and paper-covered tables and the kitchen sends out things like penne with a lamb ragu and lime panna cotta.'
Or perhaps ...
Barista Espress Victoria
Barista Espresso serves city workers on the run pizza by the slice and coffee they keep coming back for.
Bar Santo Victoria
Classic little Italian cafe on the curve of Fitzroy St - good prices, pleasant feeling.
Basso Victoria
Cafe a taglio has come to the city. This canteen style eatery is set over two levels of the Georges complex in Little Collins Street.
Cafe A Taglio Victoria
this is the place that made pizzas smart with its long wooden communal table and colourful mass of pizzas on their big black oven trays.
Cafe Cibo Victoria
Funky little Italian cafe - good coffee, Italian snacks and more substantial dishes. Reasonably priced.
Cafe Doppio Victoria
A favourite for coffee, or a quick lunch. Excellent staff who, with the good value food and drink, attract a regular clientele.
Caffe Duomo Ristorante & Bar Victoria
Set at the corner of the beautiful Block Place Arcade and just near it's dome, Caffe Duomo is an open and elegant room.
Caffe E Torta Victoria
Sit at the little ledge of this warm Italian bar and look out onto Little Collins St. This position let's you know what's going on in this busy little block.
Caffe Mediterraneum Victoria
Fresh juices, good (Genovese) coffee and friendly service in the grandeur of the Manchester Unity foyer.
Citi Espresso Victoria
This cafe is as tiny as an espresso cup on the inside, but there are plenty more seats out on the pavement close to RMIT.
The Dogs Bar Victoria
This is one of Melbourne's great bars, loved by its St Kilda locals and by folks who want to be by the sea on weekends.
Grossi Florentino Victoria
This really is a wonderful dining room. High decorated plaster ceilings, wood panelling, the famous murals, black clad waiters - it's a classic dining situation.
The Journal Victoria
The new venture by Con Christopoulos (Degraves, European, Supper Club) is a smart modern cafe decorated as a reading room.
Lionel Bar Victoria
Mulatta Victoria
Pellegrini's Victoria
This classic Italian espresso bar is a joy and a treasure. Unchanged in decades and still serving large, honest dishes.
Piazza Vittoria Victoria
A lovely oasis across the road from the bustle of the Queen Vic Market. Dine indoors, at pavement tables or in a glass-screened midway section.
Rococo Victoria
Spiga Bar Victoria
Pizza by the slice is the go here, they and really fabulous service make this place a must if you're in the area.
Strozzi Victoria
The Waiters Restaurant Victoria
Legendary dining room hidden at the top of stairs in a laneway. Traditional Italian dishes served on laminex tables.