Cracklins on Swan

(03) 9428 7516, 506 Swan St, Richmond. VIC 3121 www.cracklinsonswan.com.au
Open Tues-Fri noon - 2.30, Tues-Sat 6-10pm, Closed Sunday & 2 weeks over Xmas, all public holidays; Licensed, BYO bottled wine only, Corkage $5 bottle; AE, BC, DC, MC, V, Seats inside 75, Private room 25

Mietta's Review
Cracklins seems to be something of an anomaly. At the dingy and rather industrial end of Swan Street, it is essentially a rather suburban and slightly old-fashioned restaurant. The decor is pleasant enough, subdued carpet, conservative artwork but a terrific wood-burning fire in the nicest central part of the restaurant. At the entrance there is a cosy seating area or one can sit up at the bar for a drink or post-dinner cigar. Fairly quiet at lunch time, the restaurant appeals to a largely business clientele, while the evenings are busier. Cracklins is a popular local restaurant with the more mature Richmond residents. Its wine list is excellent and extensive, but the food menu suffers from trying too hard, and the most dangerous form of eclecticism which attempts to circumnavigate the globe in one fell-swoop. All in all this is a pleasant enough place to visit, but the overall feel is unexciting and rather amateurish.

Other Published Opinions The Age Good Food Guide 2003. Score 13/20. The Age, Sunday Life, Eat Streets, 17/8/03, John Lethlean,'is a stayer, a mid-market bistro with black metal furniture right out of the 80s, but sheer longevity means it must be doing something right.'