Cicciolina

Mietta's Eating & Drinking in Melbourne 2000

Contributors' Choice
Page 54

Cicciolina

It's been five years but it seems like Cicciolina has always been on Acland Street, well within the cafe locals' living memory at least.You (still) can't book here, so you just have to prowl about Acland Street until you can get a table. It's worth the effort, because the food is good and it's a nice place to be in, especially sitting right in the window on the street. Cosy and warm in winter, windows open to the street in summer. And there is some famous artwork on the walls. But it's the real, not the still, life which is interesting here. The place has lots of energy, a busy staff and a hard-working kitchen. There's plenty of choice on the menu, an antipasto of exceptional value and well-cooked pastas. Wines by the glass come in generous portions. St Kilda locals enjoy being able to get a meal quickly (once you've got a seat) and to be able to bring their kids. Children are welcomed (provided they come early) and allowed to eat something off the menu or not at all. During the day some locals come here for cake and coffee, but it is best known and recommended for meals.

130 Acland Street
St Kilda
Melways reference 58:A11
Phone: 9525 3333
Opening hours: 7 days Mon-Fri 11.30am-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-10pm
Licensed
Seats Inside: 45
Closed: Most public holidays
Favourites: Risotto with fresh Shitake mushrooms, spinach, and black truffle oil $15.50, Linguini with Atlantic salmon, braised leek, capers, baby spinach and olive oil $15.50, Eye fillet served on sauteed potatoes, green beans and Oyster mushrooms with tarragon jus and sweet potato chips $19.50

*An updated review can be found in Mietta's Eating & Drinking in Australia 2000 pg74, published by Black Inc., 2000, Vic