Balzari, Carlton, Attraction, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Balzari
Attraction

Address: 130 Lygon St
Carlton 3053
Phone: 03 96399383
Web: http://www.balzari.com.au

While Lygon Street boasts a wealth of dining options, there is a distinct paucity of places that really promise something special. Cynical diners need only tame their hunger until their wanderings take them through the main pasta strip and to the door of Balzari. The open frontage displays a classy and comfortable space, with warm timber and round mirrors like giant CDs on the walls. The menu features simple Mediterranean fare, from a hearty seafood stew with almonds and burnt garlic to lasagne (for those who just can't deny themselves a pasta feast in Little Italy). Half the menu is taken up with appetisers, which can be served as entrees or shared tapas-style with a group. Settle back with one of the many European wines and sample a feast of pork belly terrine, sardines with saffron mayonnaise or house-made dips.

Chef: Joel Valvasori-Pereza