EAT > The Moat, Melbourne (13/20)

“It is under the Library, off Little Lonsdale Street”, I said but apparently Google had other ideas directing my lunch guest to wander around the State Library and the Wheeler Centre before he called and said “ok where are you?”.

Actually it is not that hard to find if you know where you are going, and that is on Little Lonsdale Street between Swanston and Russell. Under the Library and opposite the QV centre. The key to these directions is UNDER. That of course is where the name “The Moat” comes from as it is down some stairs, over the astroturf and into a slightly cavernous dark restaurant that smells wonderfully of garlic and cooking smells (some might find this a little over whelming but I really like seeing and smelling the open kitchen).

FOOD >

The menu is straight forward we were having lunch and there were plenty of great choices for a simple lunch with a glass of wine (or two). House made focaccia with olive oil and balsamic ($3 per person) was a great start as was the salsa di fagioli bianchi (white bean dip) served with pickles and sourdough ($17).

This is a good time to mention that the owners Paul and Rosie are both of Italian Heritage which shines through in the food which is fresh tasty and unpretentious.

Main course choices were between soup and pasta, we both chose the Tagliatelle with pork and fennel sausage, garlic, white wine, chilli and cime de rapa ($25), but it was a hard choice as the Tagliatelle Puttanesca and Gnocchi with pumpkin, parmesan, burnt butter, pine nuts and sage (which I had last time) were also extremely tempting.

The do a lunch deal of a plate of pasta and glass of house wine for $30 which is pretty good value. But we went for a slightly more up market Merricks Estate Pinot Noir ($17) which was delicious.

Image Credit | The Moat & Crispy Almanak

WINE >

The wine list is short and economical with a few Pinot Noirs, a Côte du Rhone, Barbera, Sangiovese, Chianti Grenache, Nebbiolo, Cab Franc and a couple of Australian Shiraz’. Nothing on the list goes over $100 a bottle and there are a few nice drops there, with only a reasonable markup.

CONCLUSION >

It is a great location for dinner, it is hidden away and its cozy in winter and cool in summer. Evenings the menu extends beyond pasta to fish and meat, the current menu offers a slow roasted saltbush lamb shoulder with hierloom carrots and jus ($42).

Food 3/5, Service 3.5/5, Wine 3.5/5, Room 3/5 = 13/20.