http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33585 OS presents a classic simple Italian menu accompanied of course with an excellent wine list. Bookings are advised as OS has become very popular]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33585 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31310 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31310 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30921 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30921 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26308 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26308 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26307 There’s an old fashioned glamour to the place, evoking Paris of the 1920s, in particular the partitioned section of the venue which has private booths, a bit like an old fashioned railway carriage.
Superb wine and nibbles, ideal for a midnight encounter.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26307 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26304 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26304 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25705
In a quiet suburb, south east of the city (better known for its majestic National Trust mansion), Attica is breaking the ground rules for dining in Melbourne and gaining a very good reputation and two or three hats in local dining guides.

Attica presents food that is challenging - their after mains course called 'Terroir' consists of beetroot, limes, berries and flowers and is a prelude to various desserts, one of which blows you away - a tumbler of sauternes custard berries and toffee.

The service is exemplary and professional beyond belief. Attica hands the diner a wine list of great length with a selection of wines, local and international.

The degustation menu (on Friday and Saturday evenings) presents diners with two entrees and seven mains and a dessert dish, presented and explained over three hours of dining.

An astonishing dining experience
not cheap but absolutely worth it]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25705 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25436 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25436 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24828 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24828 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24558
With a name like - Waterfront Fish Market, the emphasis is obviously on seafood and to that end, Waterfront provides an elegant dining experience as the seafood is sublime.

For those who prefer something different, a variety of steaks done by weight is offered; anything up to 900gms of ribeye is for the carnivores in us.

Side dishes of salads are for the vegetarians or the hungry and to finish, a nice choice of desserts is available including their famous Belgian Chocolate Fondant! Yum!

A very good beverage menu also provides diners with an excellent choice of Australian and mainly French wines (red, white and sparkling).

Waterfront should be visited and enjoyed. Not cheap but well worth it.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24558 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24276
The city's network of arcades is Australia's most extensive, with Block Arcade between Collins and Elizabeth streets, built in 1891, its crowning glory. Royal Arcade (between Bourke Street Mall and Little Collins Street), is Melbourne's oldest, built in 1869, and features Gaunt's clock and the two folklore giants of the ancient Britons, Gog and Magog, who strike the hour.

The various lanes and alleys in the city centre all hold their own interest and most have a specific history. The group of back alleys famous (or infamous) for having all Melbourne's brothels in the 1880s or the lanes either side of the Chinatown strip are a rich source of authentic Asian eateries. Hardware Lane, one of the first laneways to be restored in the 1980s, now has a fine collection of outdoor cafes and bars. The local interest in these lanes and alleys has recently seen one named in honour of one of our best known rock bands... AC/DC]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24276 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22972 The menu is mediterranean based and of course offers lots of fish choices.
The pastas were great as were the home made dips. Service was smart and efficient. BYO and also licenced, Vincents is just a nice place to go and have a meal]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22972 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22743
Olives' menu gave us a large number of choices for dinner, with most of the menu seafood/mediterranean based. Us meat eaters (and vegetarians) are also well catered for with special menu offerings.

A reasonably priced wine and drinks list is also offered for diners. Service was efficient and friendly with wait staff able to offer menu recommendations when asked. All in all, a nice evening out was had by all.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/22743 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21770 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21770 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21709 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21709 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20968 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20968 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20853
There are some interesting choices on the menu. The service is good and the drinks prices are not too silly either. Many wines (local and French) are available by the glass. I liked the place.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20853 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20690
As it's also located close to Melbourne University, countless generations of students have met there over the years to discuss politics and economics. Run today by Watson's grandsons, the original aura and atmosphere of Watson's has been retained.

It must also be said, that in addition to this eating place, Jimmy Watson is remembered by the memorial trophy under his name offered each year at the Royal Melbourne Wine show.

Watsons is a Melbourne institution.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20690 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20620 Its specialities are the chicken parma and a good serve of fish and chips. Some decent pizzas as well as a kids menu. The rooftop bar and beer garden is the place to be on a warm night.
The Corner Hotel is also well known for its entertainment and is open until late...]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20620 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20603 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/20603