Fatto

The food is great but the service is average at best. They seemed to be understaffed or something. Took them 30 minutes to take our order and another 30 to serve. Too long for lunch break.

I really, really wanted to love this place. Early signs were so good…
My $ 7 happy hour aperol spritz was pretty bloody fantastic. So I had another two.
I only tasted one entrée on account of my sister ordering meat, when I’m a pescatarian (rude). The cod croquettes were nice enough. Tiny portion. Barely a taste each
For main course I had the spaghettini with crab, chilli, lemon etc. Pretty classic dish. Well below par. Lacked flavour, no heat at all (or taste) from the chilli, and the crab wasn’t fresh and was sloppy. So disappointing. My sister (a hospo expert) had the same dish and agreed, so I don’t feel I’m being harsh here. I rarely add salt or pepper to a meal and this dish got them both!
Mum had the gnocchi with lamb which I couldn’t try but I understand it was a much nicer dish.
Sister ordered the salted caramel something something for dessert. Blergh. No sweetness, no caramel, nothing. Super disappointing.
Been a bad week for trying new places, but Fatto is spot on in so many other areas. Great setting, drinks amazing etc.
I hope to come back and try again, with the hope I can re-​review to 5 stars!!!

Yes, it’s a curious name — but nevertheless, I’m interested. Although it’s called a cantina, Fatto is an Italian eatery. Floor to ceiling windows offer the spectacular Melbourne skyline and Yarra. The vibe is relaxed, tables are open, seating is comfortable and people sit to chat while the servers buzz around professionally and informally. This is the right place for relaxed dining. We begin with Grilled Vegetables with mozzarella di buffala and basil. This is delicious. Although the menu is not extensive, all the offerings are good — we can tell from the first course, the ingredients are fresh and flavour balance is divine. Other entrées are bread, pork/​veal sausage, octopus or Wagyu beef carpaccio with truffle. They are clearly used to serving pre– theatre guests — they haven’t asked, but their air of «efficiency» shows this, so we suggest they take their time. We linger over our entrees and there is a nice, but not extensive, gap before our main course arrives.
First — Arancini — smoked cod, mimolette, and herb aioli — beautifully served. Then my companion has Orecchiette with broccoli, anchovy, chilli, guanciale and walnuts and my choice is the Market Fish — Barramundi — with wild greens, seasonal vegetables and lemon. The fish is good, the «greens» are wilted spinach and a potato bake. Our side dishes are Insalata Verde and Brussells Sprouts with bacon, pine nuts and ricotta. The winner here is the Brussells Sprouts — truly lovely. The nuts and ricotta make the dish a bit special and the sprouts themselves are a little hidden in the overall effect — it’s great. We didn’t get to the [I]Dolci [/​I]- but all the favourites are here Gelato, Pannacotta, Cannoli, Crostata, Crostini or Formaggi — several with liqueur flavourings. It’s a truly Italian experience and very enjoyable. The menu is so good, I really will come back to try some other things. Magnifico!

I have been holding off on my review for Fatto for a while because I haven’t had a full sit-​down dinner here since it’s new incarnation at an Italian Cantina, but given how many times I’ve been here for a relaxing drink in the sun and how many times I send people here to do the same, I’m going to review it based on that!
Based on the corner of St Kilda Road and the Yarra River, Fatto is a fantastic CBD meeting point for a drink. Close to Flinders St and review views to boot. In Summer this place comes alive with pop-​up bars right on Southbank. Last year it was a gorgeous garden created by Joost with all edible plants for the restaurant. This year it’s an Aperol pop-​up bar with bocce and the perfect location to enjoy their nightly Apéritif happy hour.
Speaking of the happy hour, for $ 7 you can get beer, wine, a Negroni, Aperol Spritz or bubbly glass of prosecco. While I’m sure the meals inside are delicious (carb avoidance is the only reason I haven’t dined in yet!), it should also be considered as a great spot to start the night with some drinks and nibbles, particularly if you’re going to a show at the neighbouring Arts Centre.

This is the perfect spot to grab a seat outside and watch the sun set over the Melbourne city skyline.
The choice of drinks is great and I was quite the fan of the pink lemonade cocktail (a basic vodka and cranberry with a splash of proper, old fashioned lemonade). At $ 12 for that and the other basic cocktails, it’s more than reasonable — especially given the location.
No table service if you’re sitting outside but the bar staff are pretty good at whipping up your drinks quickly so you can get back out there to enjoy the view.
I have yet to eat there but have been warned that it’s a bit pricey for what you get.
Odd mix of people on my recent visit… a few theatre snobs who tried to get served first but the bar staff have an eagle eye and were having none of it, along with tourists, couples finishing their day in the sun (the first Melbourne has seen for a while…) and the early starters on their way to a big Saturday night.
Looking forward to my next visit — particularly with out of town friends.

We shared a great meal here on a recent getaway weekend. There was no shortage of appealing items on the menu, and we totally over ordered, as we couldn’t narrow down our choices!
Nice wine list.
The servers were polite, but it felt a bit impersonal, however they were efficient.
We did ask to have everything spaced out, so not to have it all delivered at once, but they still brought everything within about 5 minutes of the first plate, which made us feel rushed. I would have gladly sat and enjoyed more wine and conversation over a slow dinner, but instead we left and went elsewhere for cocktails after.

Ohh I just love this place. First found out about this place from the Unilocal Elite event. They really put on a great show for this. So it is remembered in the back of my head to revisit.
And I did just that, Went the last weekend for a coffee, and the atmosphere here is really nice. They produce great coffee. The location is very convenient. However without the Unilocal event I would not of known it was there.
Service is very friendly and table service is a bonus. Can take an out door seating and enjoy the beautiful views of the CBD.

This may just be my favourite restaurant right now. Happy hour runs 5−7pm every night so start dinner early with a Negroni, Aperol, Campari, beer or house wine for a mere $ 7. Then move on to the brilliant wine list (lots of delicious Italian numbers on offer) and make your way through a varied menu of share plates.
We had the potted chicken and nduja, a baked savoury ricotta with beetroot and a rare tuna nicoise number washed down with glasses of Soave. Then two plates got brought to our spot at the bar and we got excited for a minute thinking they were ours but it turned out the salsiccia (meatballs) and ricotta and greens stuffed ravioli were for the couple sitting up from us. Bummer. They smelt amazing so we requested our own.
Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant.
Everything we ate was spot on, with big flavours and excellent produce. The vibe is fun and relaxed with great service and terrific views; especially if it’s a warm night and you score a seat on the terrace.

I was fortunate enough to attend a Unilocal Elite event in this space on Southbank — it’s the perfect spot for an after-​work drink in the heart of the CBD.
Curving around Southbank Boulevard and commanding views of the Yarra River (and occasionally an awkward busker), Fatto has an ace drinks menu and nibbles for all.
I plan to go back ad sample the menu for dinner and marvel at the view just a little but more…

A fellow Unilocaler (Hi Melissa B) suggested we meet here for lunch & I was quick to reply with a yes. I’d heads good things & it did not disappoint.
Service was exceptional throughout, the food prompt & delicious!
Was it value for money? Yes. Is it a tad pricey? Yes. Would I return? Yes.
If you go with friends I recommend getting a few different things & sharing — this’ll keep the price down & let you sample the menu.
It’s a yes from me.

Can’t rate this place highly enough. Nick Bennett’s menu is superb, the view arguably the best in Melbourne and the staff are unfailingly fabulous. I get asked for recommendations all the time and this is where I send ALL the people.

I have a some what eventful history with Trocadero, or Troc
as it has become to be known.
First off in June sometime I tried for a job here which I didn’t get.
Then I had the opportunity to dine a the modern brasserie of European styling,
upon first opening but could not afford it at that time. Then I waited around half
a year before I approached the situation again. So finally, and all these months
later I’ve made it down. I’ve kinda always wanted some notable occasion to dine
here, as everyone raves about it.
Crap! I was writing this on Sunday, and kinda got drunk and then tired and then
forgot about it. Then on Monday I was tired again. It’s now many days later.
Anywho, Upon entering several menu options looked appealing, most notably the
prix fixe menu/​dining option, essentially a set lunch which amounts to 2 courses
and a glass of wine… Crap! sleepy times again, this may turn out to be a part three
scenario.^So, two courses is 39, three being $ 49 respectively, with the glass of wine. There are some pretty darn neat options on here for lunch!
Opting instead to forgo these procedures, I take the option of the regular menu;
tending to the roast lamb, which turns out to be sublime. Meltingly tender lamb on
some sort of soft grain or lentil based awesomeness. This is and was, well and truly
worth the indulgence, lamb cooked perfectly, and a good portion size. I then take in
the triple cooked potatoes, an there’s never an excuse to run down fried starchy
goodness, or fried potatoes of any kind.^ WELL! I ate here on the 20^th and on
the last day of February I’m still writing this.
These potatoes in particular, cooked exceptionally, are crisp and devoid of
most moisture. What better reason to partake in indulgence than bon hommie,
mon ami pomme frites! Our friend the fried potato. The fantastic Mr fox cocktail
sells it sell just by the name alone. I kinda drank this in two seconds flat, and it’s
an apéritif style cocktail, with lots of yummy stuff in it, and some sweetness.
I’m very much a fan, it looks like the ingredients or alcohols in here made some
serious love and went down to party!
As always a glass of Gruner Veltiner goes down charmingly at the end of a meal
and this is a wine you can never really say no to. Even better, this wine turns out
to be free, I love free wine, it is awesome town!

This place had me at wild boar ragu… I savoured every morsel of that magnificent beast. To add icing on the cake it was reasonably priced, $ 30, and the portion was huge! A real rarity in Melbourne. I thought the service was great, there was one waiter who broke glasses on three occasions (first day?) but the wait staff were attentive and even playful.

Melbourne on your doorstep. Great view combined with great food and great wine. Waiters were attentive and knowledgable.
Expensive, but sometimes you just don’t care when you are having a moment.

I have to admit to some hesitation in making the booking for dinner at Trocadero. There have been some unflattering comments around about service, the fit out and perceived value-​for-​money. But my friends trust me so I thought — why not take them along as guinea pigs and see how The Troc performed in it’s natural environment — a pre-​show (nanna time) meal in the middle of the Melbourne Festival. (No — you’re right — that wasn’t a very nice thing to do.)
Booking was no problem a couple of weeks ago. I was asked what time our show was and where it was and then advised on a «window» for dinner that would help to ensure we ate without rush and in time. So 5:30pm (eek) we rocked up for dinner. I say rocked up as I believe we were the only folks in the house who were headed out to see Billy Bragg — seems the remainder were off to some MSO thingo that started at 7:00pm.
Look — let’s be honest — the place is a bit «bunker like» and the door is not so easily seen but I doubt you’d get too lost looking for it. Hugging the curved edge of Hamer Hall I’m sure the outside tables will be in high demand during summer where they afford a view of the Yarra and the twinkly lights etc. But let us not forget what we’re here for, decent food, reasonably priced, within a set time frame (hopefully).
And Trocadero delivered. We were asked again on arrival and also by our waiter what time our show was. They really wanted to make sure we didn’t miss it. A couple of glasses of Prosecco (Brown Bros.) and a Campari Soda arrived and we were on our way.
Specials on the board included some whole snapper ($ 40) and some asparagus, oysters at $ 5 each (ouch) proscuitto ($ 16) or olives ($ 9) were proffered as «appertisers». Entrees ranged from $ 19 to $ 23 and included the now ubiquitous Kingfish tartare, Italian buffalo mozzarella, and chicken liver parfait. Mains ranged in price from $ 29 to $ 38 for market fish, sesame tuna or pot roasted lamb shoulder. Sides were next and there was also a decent selection of mostly o/​s cheese, but including the very fine L’artisan Extravagant from down Timboon way.
Desserts looked interesting and modern and pretty tempting really ($ 17).
If you came here for a standard three course evening — with the average bottle of wine around $ 95 — yoou could spend some say $ 250 — $ 300 for two quite easily and be surrounded by rushed pre-​theatre patrons and noisy post-​theatre patrons. Hmmm. Perhaps that’s where some of the comments are coming from?
Though in most cases I think folks will be here for one or two courses maximum so in that light it’s a reasonable price.
The staff were totally on the ball and exceptional at getting the place moving along and out to their events on time — a MUST for a venue located at the Arts Centre, and the menu is geared towards quick cooks. The counter-​effect of course is that things can feel a bit rushed. We were out good and early for our show, in time for a drink at the Recital Centre.
Coffees were good (thank god as they attracted the restaurant premium price of $ 4 each) and an error on the bill was fixed quickly and without fuss.
We ate: Pea Arancini with Jerusalem Artichoke, Goats Curd and Black Olive ($ 29) and Rangers Valley Minute Steak, sauce Lyonnaise and Watercress ($ 28). Sides of triple cooked potatoes with truffle aioli and pecorino ($ 11) and salad leaves with dill dressing. ($ 9)
We drank: Foster e Rocco Rose ($ 55)
We paid $ 70 each (3 pax).
The arancini were full of flavour and creamy /​crispy and delicious. The minute steak was cooked medium rare and the sauce rated well. My favourite dish though was the salad leaves. Large, varied, well washed and fresh.
Trocadero services the show-​going crowd very well indeed, and perhaps with a loosening of the «per customer spend» calculations will be a fine spot for a quick snack and drink on a lazy, long summer evening. Keep it in context and you’ll have a fine time.

The onion risotto stopped me in my tracks. It is awesome. In fact all the food is good here. Try it.

Great place to grab a quick drink and watch the world go by

Picture Melbourne in the jazz age. 1920s. Jewellery glistening from their geometric settings. Sashaying gowns iced with lace and sequins. Shiny cars tooting their way through the wide grid streets. People humming the tunes of Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, and George Gershwin, feet tapping in anticipation of the Black Bottom and the Charleston. Located on the same site of its 1920s dance hall namesake, the Trocadero has been reincarnated in 2012. Affording a surprisingly stunning outlook on Melbourne’s possible equivalent to Westminster (albeit the more gritty Flinders Street Station), the 21^st century Trocadero is one part bar and one part fishbowl-​like restaurant. On the left of its entrance, there’s the concaved drinking area, radiantly dressed in mirrored steel, polished glass and a monochrome floor that begs some tap dance right there, right now. Turn right of the entrance though, and the main dining area has all but surrendered to a world of shadows. Its stormy carpet blends into austere black chairs, and also into the hues of brown-​grey and green-​grey of the tightly-​spaced banquettes lining the grey sides. There’s a primal feel in its dark furnishings and concrete emphasis. But there’s also a curious, ethereal air in the almost shy way in which spots of halogen illuminate the veined white marble of table tops and the soaring swoosh of black ink on the walls.
…
When in Paris, one could brave the breathless crowds waiting to ascend the Eiffel. Alternatively, one could venture through the Jardins du Trocadero to the old Trocadero site for an uninterrupted view of the Eiffel. With rose-​tinted glasses, parallels can be drawn between the Arts Centre’s spire and Paris’ Eiffel Tower, between the round girth of Hamer Hall and the former Trocadero Palace. But it is not through rose-​tinted glasses that MoMo & Coco opine that Melbourne’s Trocadero has far less in common with its frivolous predecessor of a dance hall, and more with the Parisian Trocadero. At its core, there’s certainly the clear French influence in cooking and bistro décor. But this isn’t all. The Trocadero dining experience can be summed up by the calligraphy brushed across its very walls. Underlying such soft grey elegance is a strength hidden from plain sight. The confident execution of a most captivating menu that straddles the greyness of old and new Melbourne means that the food at Trocadero is a poetic, but incisive meditation of how the moderne style can reinvigorate tradition. It exemplifies accessible culinary sophistication at its best. But the routine of eating is not made memorable by food alone. So unlike another new mod-​European braisserie, Trocadero’s food offerings are complemented by some of the most attentive and diligent service staff in Melbourne, and by night, views that should also silence even the most demanding dining companion. Overall, Trocadero compels more than one encore visit.