La Vita Buona
Editorial
Here, find precisely the sort of bar slash deli that makes Melburnians feel both smug and snug. With its smart staff, smart décor and smart wine list, La Vita Buona could easily function as the set for a Victorian Tourism TV advertisement. It’s perfectly Euro-Melbourne.
Both impossibly chic and implausibly unaffected, this place has the sort of style that can only emanate from a real commitment to hospitality. While money has been lavished on design and thought has been lavished on every detail of the business, the primary impact here is not one of effort. A great ease made possible by a dedication to good food and good drink is the primary impact here.
This place functions better than a newly serviced espresso machine. While the feel is pure, unhurried hole-in-the-wall Melbourne, the actual pace of service is cracking. This is one of the elements that has ensured the ongoing success of La Vita Buona and the rebirth of the City Square precinct. It’s cool; it’s boho; it’s crammed with Melburnians-in-black in all seasons. But, it’s all delivered with efficiency and a smile.
Old and new world grape jostle for the attention of your palate. Great food too commands your attention. Beyond the mild and pleasant panic of deciding on a delicacy, there is nothing much at all to do but enjoy the acme of Melbourne’s old bar culture.
SM King, Citysearch
User Feedback
Paula
May 25, 2010
Very nice venue and great service from the (I think) French waiter. Also, the wine was very good and not bad value. However, we got attitude from a waitress for some reason, and then when we went to pay we were overcharged by $10, and again copped more bad attitude from the same female ! Such a shame as it seems such a nice place which I would otherwise recommend
smith24
November 03, 2011
The guys at La Vita Buona are the most arrogant people you could come across! They hardly know their red wine from white, but charge you a bomb. They are outright rude. Gabriel, the Maitre’d, more so, who shouldn't be in hospitality at all. Their staff is encouraged to be aggressive with patrons and Gerard Anderson, the owner cares little for the pleasure or even welfare of paying customers. The place is best avoided.
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