Campari Spritz - Campari, Grossi Prosecco, citrus - $15.00 |
How cute is the little gondola on the glass? We recently celebrated my mum's birthday with a lovely dinner at Merchant Osteria Venezia. I'm lucky enough to have been to Venice before (see my posts from 2006: Venice, Gelato and Harry's Bar), and absolutely loved it, so I was really keen to try Guy Grossi's take on Venetian regional cuisine.
Merchant Osteria Venezia
Rialto
495 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Ph: (03) 9614-7688
Website
It was a celebration, so that means cocktails! As you can see, my family are big Campari drinkers - I love its refreshing bitterness, especially before or with a meal.
The Italian Job cocktail was a special, and not on their normal menu, and when our lovely waitress told us it had passionfruit, lime and campari in it, I had to order it straight away! Cocktail heaven! I was impressed by the quality of the cocktails, and the fresh, citrussy focus of the cocktail list really appealed to me - so much so that, just quietly, I've been back since this dinner for more tasty cicchetti (snacks) and cocktails at the bar
Rialto
495 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Ph: (03) 9614-7688
Website
It was a celebration, so that means cocktails! As you can see, my family are big Campari drinkers - I love its refreshing bitterness, especially before or with a meal.
Back: Italian Job - Passionfruit, lime, campari - $15.00 Front: Testa Rossa - Campari, Frangelico, aranciata rossa, rosemary syrup, lime - $18.00 |
There are a few different areas for seating: at or around the bar; some hidden little booths on a muraled wall (which I think would make a cute spot for a date!); and an open area in full view of the kitchen, which is where we sat.
Open kitchen |
Bread |
Fòlpo saorio - marinated octopus - $16.00 |
Aranzini de zafferan - saffron arancini - $10 per serve (2 serves pictured, 2 balls per serve) |
On a more positive note, let's have a look at the mains!
Polastrèlo a la diavola in piastra - grilled spatchcock, chilli, garlic - $28.00 |
Conejo a la vecia - braised rabbit, pine nuts, sultanas - $35.00 |
Fritto smissioto - fried fish, seafood and vegetables - $32.00 |
Tortellini Di Carne - Veal tortellini - $20.00 |
Patate alla Veneziana - sautéed potatoes - $9.50 |
Salata tridà - Venetian chopped salad - $12.00 |
We were pretty full, and weren't sure whether or not to order dessert - but knowing that we were there to celebrate a birthday, our waitress strongly suggested we order one. We decided to share one between the four of us, and it was brought out complete with sparkler and a team of waitstaff singing "Happy Birthday to beautiful Mama!" Cue giggles galore from our table - such fun!
Crema brusà - Vanilla crème brûlée, saffron ice-cream - $14.50 |
Crostoli - Thin, puffed biscuits - $3.50 |
Cafè Latte - $3.50 |
Cakes and biscuits |
We had a great night at Merchant and, arancini notwithstanding, we all thought the service was very good: warm, friendly and welcoming. It had a really pleasant, fun atmosphere, and I'd happily go back again. Our dinner worked out to be about sixty dollars a head (including drinks), which felt well priced. Merchant seems to have quite a bit going on - the restaurant menu itself is wide-ranging, with cicchetti, cured meats, risotti, pastas, polenta, fish, meats and desserts all making an appearance. And in addition to being a restaurant and bar, they are a cafe too, serving breakfasts, coffees, biscuits (yay!) and cakes. Phew!
Happy birthday Mum!!!
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