Il Fornaio

Mietta's Eating & Drinking in Melbourne 2000

Contributors' Choice
Page 156

The polished concrete floor, big doors and wide open kitchen with lots of equipment in evidence give Il Fornaio an industrial feel. It's a relatively long walk to the counter from the street, up several steps, which adds to the anticipation, and makes you feel like you have been granted an audience with someone very important. Pastries sit like jewels in the glass cabinet at the front, baskets piled up with the ten varieties of bread on offer to the right, and the seductive smell of coffee permeates the whole place. Big art on the walls. Lots of different people enjoy the atmosphere here - arty, conservative, newspaper readers, gossipers, those flying solo, and groups. The genrously padded stools are great to sit on, as are the benches that run against two walls. Tables are quite close together but the high ceiling gives you a sense of space.

Staff are helpful in explaining the different pastries on offer from Chef Patissier Louis Vaussenat, who took over here earlier in the year. There's a choice of four teas and good quality coffee, all for $2. Jams, pastries and all sorts of goodies can be bought to take away in cute bags.

2 Acland Street
St Kilda
Melways reference 57:K9
Phone: 9534 2922
Opening hours: 7 days 7am-7pm
Licensed
Accepts credit cards
Closed: Some public holidays
Features: Restricted smoking, kids encouraged
Favourites: Calamari St Andrea $11.00, Pesto lasagne $8.00, Ravioli with scallops & asparagus $10

An updated review of Il Fornaio