Mietta's Review
Pelican has timber decking on the walls, where huge port holes are cut out of it, as well as underfoot and on the tables. Very butch. Which has nothing to do with its evident appeal to women, as children, dogs, Harley owners and blokes seem to like it too. Architectural firm 6 degrees has converted a veritable forest into a comfortable series of wooded spaces in which to take tapas, consume coffee or down drinks. Service is hospitable, prices are reasonable, the foods not bad and as most of it is snacks (tapas), doesn't get in the way of the occasional drink. The portholed patio is particularly pleasant.

Other published opinions
Age Good Food Guide 2010 Score: 14/20

Age Cheap Eats 2009

Age Good Food Guide 2009 Score: 14/20

Age Cheap Eats 2008

Age Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 14.5/20

Age Michael Harden, 12-2-2007

Age Cheap Eats 2007

Age Cheap Eats 2006

Age Good Food Guide 2005

Age Cheap Eats 2004

Age Melbourne Magazine 15/12/04 Barfly Melinda Houston

The Foodies' Guide 2004,Allan Campion & Michele Curtis,'Bars with Great Food-Fantastic tapas here,including saganaki,Spanish mussels,feta fritters and char-grilled sardines.Eat them with the driest sherry in the house and you'll be in heaven.'

AGFG 2004, score 13/20, two courses for $25 or less,excellent bar

Herald Sun, Sunday Magazine, 14/3/04, Jane Hutchinson,' Great saganaki ($8) and fantastic octopus tentacles ($9.50).'

Age,A2,3/4/04,John Weldon

Herald Sun, sunday magazine, 22/2/04, Graham Pearce, Score 6/10,'Service is friendly although a little haphazard.They have an excellent wine list but it is not particularly cheap.The food is great if you like grazing.With a little fine tuning of technique and flavours,it could be top notch.'

Herald Sun, sunday magazine, 2003, Sally Fisher,'This bar and restaurant does a mean tapas list and there are mains available if you don't want to share...Staff are cool to look at and surpringly warm on approach.'

Hearald Sun dining out Stephen Downes, 12/3/02, Score 14/20. "Pelican offers a fair spread of prices on its limited but representative wine list."

Herald Sun Food&Drink 4/5/01 Whats new in Melboure

Age Epicure 27/3/01

Herald Sun, Eat, 19/7/03, Bob Hart,' a place that has something for everyone...Despite the popularity of the tapas, there are some mains on offer-chicken,veal steaks,lamb cutlets and more.'

Age, A2, Eat Streets, 3/8/03, John Lethlean