Il Vicolo Courtyard Restaurant

Mietta's Eating & Drinking in Melbourne 2000

Contributors' Choice
Page 61

It is refreshing to receive what is expected. The menu at Il Vicolo is well-thought through and well-executed. The place has been properly set up and maintained. The food is not traditional Italian but the best of Melbourne Italian with a dose of Austrian discipline. Generous portions, good quality vegetables, correct cooking. Owner Fred Chalupa knows his business well. In the past he has cooked with famous chefs in Europe and in Melbourne. His great skill is organisation and he has set up this restaurant in a very professional way which means that he can leave the cooking in the capable hands of well-trained Paul Dideo. This year Fred has changed the upstairs to create an elegant function area. Expect to see some changes here which will make it all the more worthwhile to take a different route to excellence, here it is the 'vicolo', the alley way.

50 Grattan Street
Carlton
Italian Cuisine
Melways reference 2B:F8
Phone: 9347 0444
Opening hours: Lunch: Tue-Fri 12 noon-2.30pm, Dinner: Mon-Sat 6-10pm
Licensed
Accepts credit cards
Seating Inside: 220, Outside: 30
Features: Restricted smoking, kids encourgaed, private rooms available.
Favourites: Crisp roasted duckling $17.50, Tender veal shank $15.50, Local stir-fry calamari $16.50