Robert Burns Hotel

Ph: (03) 9417 2233; 376 Smith St, Collingwood 3066

Spanish, $$ -, * for Food & Ambience
Open: Lunch: Mon-Fri 12 noon-2.30pm, Dinner Mon-Sat 6pm-late; Licensed; Cards BC, MC, V, Seats inside 110, Kids welcomed

Mietta's Review
Once upon a time this was 'a normal drinking hotel' says owner Urbano Gutierrez, but after a few years, the food took over, with seafood being the speciality. Get there early because the Matador Room at the Robert Burns Hotel (the Armada did break up on the shores of Scotland) gets very busy. Every inch of space is given over to eating. Along with that the pub still serves lots of beer (and heaps of sangria) but people come here first of all for the food. Urbano is fiercely proud and even more fiercely secretive about his dishes. Service gets a bit chaotic as the evening goes on. You order and pay at the bar, usually after a long wait in the queue, then take your number and eventually the food comes, though sometimes the waitresses lose sight of where your table is. Just drink some more and relax. Listen to the Spanish families talking and watch the chefs at work in the big open kitchen. Tortillas are made to order, the fish is excellent value but sometimes the cazuela gets overcooked in the rush of the kitchen. Best to stay with the plain dishes.