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The Aviary

places|vic|abbotsford|the%20aviary
A place for birds of all feathers to flock to.

Editorial


Next time you're flying down Victoria Street, guide your flock in through the doors of The Aviary. The welcoming interior soothes your senses and puts you in the mood to be indulged. And you will be.

Decorative frescos of our cute feathered friends are highlighted with old-fashioned picture frames and light fittings made from birdcages, giving the downstairs bar a playful, charming feel with an arty edge. Out back is the beer garden. Its artistic form has been designed to be usable and comfortable all year round. Upstairs, the cocktail bar is predominantly white with very deliberate old world, classy decor.

The Aviary is home to some special seasonal cocktails, all priced under $20, which is as much a delight as the wine list. France, Austria, Spain and Italy all get a mention as well as some carefully selected Australian wines. Bottles range from $30 for a local merlot to $120 for some French bubbles. There's a non-pretentious selection of local and imported beers and cider, all which have been selected to give a range of flavours and textures.

I hope you're hungry, because the food here is definitely not birdseed and breadcrumbs. The main features of the menu are the 'share plates', which are, in my opinion, incorrectly named as one does not want to share them. Would you go giving away a twice-baked four-cheese soufflé with mushroom sabayon and a watercress, grape and walnut salad? No. But they are a wonderful idea if you're planning a relaxed evening of drinks and nibbles. There are also other contemporary Australian main dishes available and a bar menu to chose from too.

It's a popular little nest this one, so get in early on the weekend especially.

Chris Nash, March 2010

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john m
August 17, 2010


Myself and 4 friends had dinner at The Aviary saturday night. Share plates were very tasty and my steak was fantastic. Then kicked back and listened to some old school funk and soul tunes whist trying nearly all the coctails.

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