Grossi Florentino
Editorial
The Grill has been synonymous with the posh end of Bourke Street for decades, but it is certainly never looked as glamorous as it does now, with dark red walls and a bank of mirrors on one side that seem to double its size. It may be a grill, but there is a certain formality here which encompasses the Grossi Florentino style. The tablecloths are white linen, the napkins are starched and the cutlery gleams in the light cast by the heavy, almost sculptural, bowl-shaped lights that descend from the ceiling. During the day the effect is smart enough to attract corporate types in droves but as the evening settles in so does a sense of seductive glamour.
The menu is relatively small but it still offers enough choice to make things interesting. Take some time to make your decision as you nibble on some olives or country-style bread. The primi are very elegant but still hearty in their flavours is the pan-fried calamari with peas, tomatoes, chilli and basil is a perfect example. Fat coils of tortellini filled with crayfish and surrounded by bright green puddles of nettle puree drizzled with a hint of burnt butter is another standout that tempts with its balance of flavour. The wine list is as extensive as it is expensive, but there is a wide range of Italian drops which can also be sampled by the glass. Pleasant and efficient waiters ensure a memorable dining experience, but be sure to book in advance if you want to reserve a good table.
Rita Erlich, June 2008
User Feedback
Nik
March 16, 2007
Despite only hearing great things about this restaurant I went there today for a Food & Wine Festival lunch that boasted 2 courses for $30. I ordered the Calamari and Lamb shank for main. The lamb was ok but the calamari tasted like the sauce had been burnt.
Lisa D
September 17, 2009
yum scrum diddlyumpshious!! no matter how many times you go to florentino, the food seems to keep getting better, the service is unbeatable and the noise levels are enough to ensure privacy without having to yell to hear each other. well and truly worth the visit.
sara
November 23, 2009
The Cellar Bar has been my fave place for a special night out in town for years and years - until last week. The angry, red-faced waiter inside flicked us outside when we asked for am outdoors table telling us to see the waiter outside - not for him to take two minutes to courteously escort us. When outside the waiter walked past us, around us and then inside, where he and the red faced bufoon stared at us through the window. Very disappointing to receive overtly rude service and so won't be bothering with the Cellar Bar again.
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