Il Solito Posto

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  7     

A great business lunch or dinner just of Collins in either the informal bistro or slightly more formal restaurant. Keep it simple and go for a good ragu pasta of the day and a glass of red. Staff know how to make it work for you if you want more attention, but are equally likely to leave you alone. Just because it is full of suits doesn't mean the non-suits won't feel at home.

Feb 19, 2012 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  8     

Found this great place last year. First time I walked in off the street and they could only seat me at the bar. Not a problem as I had a great time chatting with all the friendly staff and owner. I travel from Sydney bi-monthly and come back to visit here each time I'm in town. Last visit in December, I ate here 3 times in 1 week.

Highly recommend this place for dining by yourself, there are plenty of magazines to read or BYO. Love the Goats Curd, Beetroot and Walnut salad.

Feb 01, 2012 

1 Not Recommended

Service  1     

On Friday, a gal pal and I (also a gal) thought we'd head to Il Solito for dinner. We were "greeted" at the door by being told there would be a 90 minute wait for a table, but that we could eat at the bar if we wished. Glancing at the bar, I noticed only one bar stool, and with a smile on my face and a jovial voice I asked if we needed to take turns sitting on the stool.

Doorman's response: "I can get you another stool smart arse". My reaction: "I beg your pardon?". Doorman's response: "You started it. Next time don't be such a smart arse". At which point, gal pal and I turned around and walked across the road to the lovely Italy I. When I called to complain the following day, I had the privilege of speaking to the doorman, who in fact turned out to be the restaurant manager, Steve. Great manager Steve. Il Solito owners, I wander how many other customers he is driving away?

May 08, 2011 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  8     

Things have really stepped up since I last dined here two years ago. Ate in the bistro and had the sardine salad, and the gnocchi. Both were bursting with flavor, freshness and good quality produce. Perhaps a tad pricey but considering the quality well worth it, especially in the context of similar pricing and quality at other restaurants. Service was engaging and friendly and the atmosphere was very cool. Liked it a lot, keep it up.

Feb 24, 2011 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  8     

Food quality has increased dramatically since the new head chef started. Staff are wonderful as always, and truly make the place half the time it is like a free show with dinner. Ask them to sing you the "unofficial restaurant anthem".

Jan 29, 2011 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  8     

Great restaurant, why can't we have one in Sydney! Cool venue with a good vibe and friendly, helpful service. Pasta as good as I have had and the beers were nice and cold.

Nov 16, 2010 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  7     

Oh people, eat here and engage the wait staff in conversation. We did wait at the bar for approx 20 minutes, with a lovely bottle recommended to us by the waiter! It was late on a Saturday night and even though I was informed that they were unable to serve a full marinara (due to popularity) they would fill my serve with calamari and fish, I was happy with that and when my dish came out it was full to the brim and they sweetly had found some squid and prawns also! (What you think all the seafood in restaurants is fresh...dreaming!)

The entire experience was delightful, with very talented staff (I was informed on how to make duck breast proscuitto) and relaxed atmosphere! I would recommend Il Solito Posto for a fab dinner or even if its only as an education on how to eat your way around Melbourne.... just ask!

Aug 30, 2010 

5.5 Average

Food  4      Ambience  8      Service  7      Value  3     

Very disappointing. Dropped in here for a quick bowl of pasta. Many people had recommended this place to me. Chose a pasta off the specials board, a beef ragu. The pasta was tough, too thick, too doughy and tasted of undercooked flour. The sauce was watery, no depth of flavor at all. Ate and left. Not good enough at these prices. Liked the room and decor.

Jul 16, 2010 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  9     

I went there today for lunch and was firstly impressed that they're open on Sat for lunch which is rare in that part of town. We all had trouble choosing but the meals arrived swiftly with smooth service and halfway through a very interesting anecdote one of the party was compelled to interrupt, asking " is everyone else's delicious?" we all agreed. We were attended to with every courtesy you would expect but no interruptions. The dessert was yummy! The coffee was very good.
I'll be going back for sure.

May 01, 2010 

1 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  1     

I went to this restaurant late afternoon to book for that evening. Being a visitor to Melbourne, and being a Saturday night, I thought it would be wise to book.

Upon getting there, I was told that there was no booking policy for the Bistro. They weren't inviting at all, once they found out that I also had my 2yr old daughter dining with us. The response was that they didn't have any high chairs, and that the establishment does not cater for kids, and that I was only welcome if I was able to keep the kids under control.

What hide! I took my dollars and spent it at another nice Italian restaurant, only 200 mts away!

Jan 28, 2010