Syracuse Ph: 9670 1777 ; 23 Bank Pl, MELBOURNE 3000 www.syracuserestaurant.com.au Modern Mediterranean, $$ -, ** for Food & Ambience, Good Wine List Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-late Sat 6pm-late, Closed Most public holidays; Licensed; AE DC MC V Chef Michael Harrison (11-10-10) Owner Paul Lumiclsi & Charlie Sirianos (11-10-10)

Mietta's Review
This is a wine 'lounge' with good food. The room is beautiful, high ceilings, Greek columns and an eclectic mix of Victorian furniture and marble, it is a must see for out of town visitors. The focus is on the enormous wine list and indeed it is a destination spot for those serious about crushed and fermented grape juice, but that is after lunch until late in the evening. The food with its Mediterranean/ Middle Eastern bent is so good that it comes to the fore at lunch with the young business-types that frequent. In the afternoon, the menu adapts to its support role and is comprised of predominantly smaller tasting plates meant to be shared and enjoyed with wine. The service is knowledgeable and friendly, if a little stretched over lunch.

Other published opinions

Age Good Food Guide 2012 Score: 14.5/20

Age Good Food Guide 2011 Score: 14.5/20

The Age Dani Valent, 21-06-2010

Age Good Food Guide 2010 Score: 15/20

Age Good Food Guide 2009

Age Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 14.5/20

Age Good Food Guide 2006 score 15/20

Gourmet Traveller 2006 Australian Restaurant Guide * "The unique atmosphere of this place - a modern restaurant within an old, old building - is built around the un-designed design: mix 'n' match furniture, wine clutter, glorious mirrors, flamboyant lights, extravagant flowers and a kinda quaint wood-and-marble archaism."

Age Jane Faulkner August 2005

Age Good Food Guide 2005 score 15/20

Gourmet Traveller 2005 Restaurant Guide * "Syracuse, at the heart ofthe city's legal district, is a peculiarly Melbourne kind of place. With its pillars and archways, mirrors and soaring ceilings, thrown-together furnishings and wine ephemera, it looks more like a Victorian-era theatre or club, than a restaurant."

Age Epicure John Lethlean 25/1/05 score 16/20

The Foodies' Guide 2004, Allan Campion & Michele Curtis,'Bars with Great Food-If you've never been here before you'll kick yourself for not discovering it earlier.Get stuck into one of the greatest wine lists and some of the most mouthwatering tapas around.A word of warning though-you'll it hard to leave.'

Age Cheap Eats 2004

AGFG 2004, score 14/20, excellent wine list, excllent breakfasts, excellent bar

Herald Sun, Sunday Magazine, 14/3/04, Jane Huthinson,'The white bean and chorizo cassoulet ($7.80) is a knockout.'

Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Australia 2004, Excellent wine list, Good vegetarian options,'Beneath the soaring ceilings of this grand hotel building is a constant hubbub of local silks and suits...crisp modern dishes that combine simplicity with plenty of flavour...lots of rarities for the wine junkie'

Age, Epicure, 17/2/04, Melinda Houston

Age, Sunday Life, 25/1/04, John Lethlean

Age, A2, Food&Wine, John Weldon, 8/3/03

Sunday Age, Sunday Life, Eat Streets, Dani Valent, 16/2/03

Age, Epicure, Restaurants, John Lethlean, 15/10/02, Score 16/20