Bar Lourinha is a great restaurant in Little Collins Street. It's a small walk from the city centre but easily achievable. We walked past it the first time as the sign is quite smal
l. I even noticed it and thought that it looked like a good spot for dinner but continued because we were on a mission. Luckily we found our way back.
It was quite crowded when we rolled up early on a Saturday night. We had a cocktail in a corridor while we waited for a better seat and a spot for dinner. Next stop was a cosy seating area at the front of the restaurant and then it was on to a stool at the bar. The restaurant was very busy and we felt lucky to be there at all.
The decor is quite eclectic with and obvious Spanish influence. Lots on the wall to inspect while you wait for your meal.
The tapas style menu was interesting and well described. For my companion and me the standout dish was Yellowtail kingfish pancetta with lemon oil (see photo). We are both still thinking about this nearly a month later. The lemon flavour was just divine.
Another surprise was the Baby carrots ( see photo) with lavender and dill. Who would have thought carrots could taste so goo
d? They were heritage carrots from Daylesford according to the wait staff and deliciously tender but with a unique carrot flavour. Mmmm - want some more right now!
We also ordered Roasted cauliflower & pistachio but this dish was probably a little too similar to the carrots for us to fully appreciate it.
The couple beside us were enjoying Mooloolaba prawns on skewers. I'd bought some of those at the market recently and can only agree with the wait staff on this one - they are the best prawns in Australia, especially in winter when they are sweet and firm.
They also enjoyed some churros which also looked wonderful.
The service was prompt considering how busy the restaurant was and courteous. Bar Lourinha does not accept dinner reservations but does take lunch reservations. Their menu changes frequently but prices range between $15 to $16 for tapas style mains.
Bottom line:
This is a buzzing restaurant with interesting food that's well worth a visit.
Bar Lourinha
37 Little Collins Street,
Melbourne
p 9663 7890
l. I even noticed it and thought that it looked like a good spot for dinner but continued because we were on a mission. Luckily we found our way back.It was quite crowded when we rolled up early on a Saturday night. We had a cocktail in a corridor while we waited for a better seat and a spot for dinner. Next stop was a cosy seating area at the front of the restaurant and then it was on to a stool at the bar. The restaurant was very busy and we felt lucky to be there at all.
The decor is quite eclectic with and obvious Spanish influence. Lots on the wall to inspect while you wait for your meal.
The tapas style menu was interesting and well described. For my companion and me the standout dish was Yellowtail kingfish pancetta with lemon oil (see photo). We are both still thinking about this nearly a month later. The lemon flavour was just divine.
Another surprise was the Baby carrots ( see photo) with lavender and dill. Who would have thought carrots could taste so goo
d? They were heritage carrots from Daylesford according to the wait staff and deliciously tender but with a unique carrot flavour. Mmmm - want some more right now!We also ordered Roasted cauliflower & pistachio but this dish was probably a little too similar to the carrots for us to fully appreciate it.
The couple beside us were enjoying Mooloolaba prawns on skewers. I'd bought some of those at the market recently and can only agree with the wait staff on this one - they are the best prawns in Australia, especially in winter when they are sweet and firm.
They also enjoyed some churros which also looked wonderful.
The service was prompt considering how busy the restaurant was and courteous. Bar Lourinha does not accept dinner reservations but does take lunch reservations. Their menu changes frequently but prices range between $15 to $16 for tapas style mains.
Bottom line:
This is a buzzing restaurant with interesting food that's well worth a visit.
Bar Lourinha
37 Little Collins Street,
Melbourne
p 9663 7890