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Il Solito Posto
Ph: (03) 9654 4466; BasementShop 4, Basement, 113 Collins St, Melbourne 3000 www.ilsolitoposto.com.au
Italian, $$$
Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-1 2.30am; Sat 9am-1 2.30am; Licensed, BYO, Corkage $20 bottle; AE DC MC V, Seats inside 47
Chef Darron Paul (7-11-07) Owner Michael Tenace & Theo Poulakis (7-11-07)
Photo: Tony Knox
Mietta's Review
You step down into the bistro at Il Solito Posto and perch either at the bar or under the head height windows that look onto the footpath of the oddly named George Parade. If that doesn't suit go down a couple more steps into the restaurant proper. It has always had an indefinable attraction and, with the passing of time, this basement space seems more comfortable than ever, perhaps because the noise levels are lower. Service is efficient and not pushy, the prices and food are those of a smart city cafe. As it is open from breakfast till 1am it fits a number of needs - breakfast, a serious meal, coffee or just a drink.
Other published opinions
Age Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 13.5/20 "True to its name, Il Solito Posto is the usual place' for many of the CBD's more discerning office workers. They keep coming back to the cafe for the familiar breakfasts, reliable lunches and indulgent spread of magazines and paperbacks"
The Age Good Food Guide 2006 score 13/20 ""Into the laneway, past the bustling bar and glistening antipasti, down to the windowless basement, where bare wooden tables are set with dishes of olives and loaves of ciabatta. Once ensconced on a banquette surrounded by walls lined with wine, you could be anywhere. Chances are, though, you'll be lounging back and thinking of Italy.
The Age Good Food Guide 2005 "WALKING into this low-lit basement trattoria makes you feel immediately relaxed. Staff might be dressed in all black, be-tied and sporting black aprons, but the wooden tables are uncluttered, faux-wicker seating comfortable and atmosphere easy-going."
Age Epicure Matt Preston 7/9/04 "It is unpretentious and beautifrully maintained, with raw baltic pine floorboards, chunky timber tables, brocade fabric banquettes and iron-framed wicker chairs. Rays of sunshine enter via skylights in the Collins Street footpath and almost every nook, cranny and shelf is devoted to expensive wine bottles, decanters and boxes of wine. You get the picture."
AGFG 2004, score 13/20
The Age, Sunday Life, 8/2/04, John Lethlean,'Il Solito Posto has a bar serving snacks and breakfast at the front and a smarted basement dining room where things are more expensive.'
The Age, A2, 29/11/03, Melinda Houston
Herald Sun, sundaymagazine, eating out, Sally Fisher, 2003
Age, Under $10, David Sutherland, 24/9/02.
Or perhaps ...
Cecconi's Cantina Victoria
Grossi Florentino Victoria
This really is a wonderful dining room. High decorated plaster ceilings, wood panelling, the famous murals, black clad waiters - it's a classic dining situation.
Il Solito Posto Victoria
You step down into the bistro at Il Solito Posto and perch either at the bar, under the head height windows or go down a couple more steps into the restaurant proper.
Sarti Victoria
A lovely rooftop space with courtyard serving simple but well executed dishes. There's also a cheaper bar menu.