Il Solito Posto (Bistro)

As the pauper that I am, I feel extremely blessed to be able to indulge under a roof such as this. Feels like getting into Establishment bar on George St, Sydney with scruffed up Dunlop Volleys, where they don’t like white shoes let alone dirty $25 sneakers with character. But it’s Melbourne and it’s all accommodating, even for a bum like me. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a seat inside the buzzing atmosphere of this little Italian trattoria with a minimal wait. Tired of the conversation with your dining partner? No dramas, just turn, bump shoulders with the person on an adjacent table and you’ve made first contact.

No problems with the neat wine list, but it’s a shame that I didn’t bring my pocket dictionary to translate the short selections board written in Italiano. The service is lovely though and happy to reveal exactly what you’re in for. I adored the bowties (farfelle), for its slightly undercooked “loop” pasta soaked up the light cream sauce cooked with tarragon and balanced the smoky salmon cooked to medium rare. Better was the spaghetti meatballs (polpette) packed with torn basil and Napoli. The combination of the juicy pork and veal mince with the tomato sauce fresh, ripe with a slight tang gives you joy that’s also achieved when “Because of You” comes on at a club. You’ll leave the place feeling enriched, but also a little guilty for having felt like you changed the price tag on a Burberry scarf for a Bond’s g-string when you pay. Regard yourself as lucky to be able to eat so well at a minimal cost.

3.5 / 5 yums!

------

Where? 113 Collins Street, Melbourne

What? Average main - $20

Left to Right : Farfelle Salmone, Polpette Con Napoli