Mietta's Guide to Australian Restaurants
LocationThe Waiters Restaurant
Ph: 9650 1508; 1st Floor, 20 Meyers Pl, Melbourne 3000
Italian, $
Open mon-fri noon-2.30pm mon-sat 6pm-late; Licensed, BYO; AE DC MC EFT
Photo: Tony Knox
Mietta's Review
Legendary dining room, originally for waiters, hidden at the top of stairs in a laneway off Bourke Street. Traditional Italian dishes served on laminex tables. It's the sort of place where the worse the wine the better it seems. Recently there have been renovations but nothing appears to have changed. Regulars insist on every detail being preserved. The simple Italian fare is much loved by drinkers from the bar below, 20 Meyers Place.
Other published opinions
The Age Cheap Eats 2009 "Signage? Who needs it? Certainly not this institution that's been hidden up a stairwell for years without it"
The Age Cheap Eats 2008 "The only veneer at this old haunt is on the tables. There's no makeover in the works - the linoleum's staying - and that's just how generations of pre-theatre diners and clubbers like it"
The Age Cheap Eats 2007 "For decades the club and theatre set have stumbled upstairs to have their late-night carb cravings satisfied by this linoleum-clad Italian veteran. It's probably one of the least pretentious places in central Melbourne."
The Age Cheap Eats 2006 Happily, some things don't change. Above a laneway, this institution retains the cheerful bustle of an old-fashioned canteen, with plenty of chatter over tumblers of house red and mounds of fine food.
The Age Good Food Guide 2006 Hidden Treasures "Up a flight of rickety stars, signposted by a ample chalkboard menu below, this secret spot has been serving upsimple Italian fare to those in the know for more than half a century."
The Age, A2, 6/12/03, John Weldon,'a long-standing favourite...quaint, old fashioned'
Or perhaps ...
Barista Espress Victoria
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Basso Victoria
Cafe a taglio has come to the city. This canteen style eatery is set over two levels of the Georges complex in Little Collins Street.
Cafe Cibo Victoria
Funky little Italian cafe - good coffee, Italian snacks and more substantial dishes. Reasonably priced.
Cafe Doppio Victoria
A favourite for coffee, or a quick lunch. Excellent staff who, with the good value food and drink, attract a regular clientele.
Caffe Duomo Ristorante & Bar Victoria
Set at the corner of the beautiful Block Place Arcade and just near it's dome, Caffe Duomo is an open and elegant room.
Caffe E Torta Victoria
Sit at the little ledge of this warm Italian bar and look out onto Little Collins St. This position let's you know what's going on in this busy little block.
Caffe Mediterraneum Victoria
Fresh juices, good (Genovese) coffee and friendly service in the grandeur of the Manchester Unity foyer.
Citi Espresso Victoria
This cafe is as tiny as an espresso cup on the inside, but there are plenty more seats out on the pavement close to RMIT.
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.
The Journal Victoria
The new venture by Con Christopoulos (Degraves, European, Supper Club) is a smart modern cafe decorated as a reading room.
Pellegrini's Victoria
This classic Italian espresso bar is a joy and a treasure. Unchanged in decades and still serving large, honest dishes.
Piazza Vittoria Victoria
A lovely oasis across the road from the bustle of the Queen Vic Market. Dine indoors, at pavement tables or in a glass-screened midway section.
Spiga Bar Victoria
Pizza by the slice is the go here, they and really fabulous service make this place a must if you're in the area.
Strozzi Victoria
The Waiters Restaurant Victoria
Legendary dining room hidden at the top of stairs in a laneway. Traditional Italian dishes served on laminex tables.