Il Bàcaro transports you from the bustle of the Melbourne CBD into a pocket of low-lit intimacy where clean-cut wood and marble surfaces display an array of fine wines, chic thirtysomethings whisper to each other in darkened corners, and skilled waitstaff patrol the room offering excellent old-school service. Classic Italian dishes are given new life: stuffed zucchini flowers are crumbed with pistachio, buffalo agnolotti is lifted by confit tomatoes, basil and stracciatella, and a smoked duck breast and baked duck leg dish is creatively flavoured with cocoa beans and cherries. The agave nectar cheesecake might eclipse the memory of all other cheesecakes, especially with the addition of a sharp blueberry sorbet. Take advantage of the wine list and, if you have time and inclination, make your way through the extensive list of well-picked labels, ranging from the cream of Australia’s vineyards to outré Italian and French choices.
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide
Wine: ★ ★
Gourmet Traveller’s star-ratings, which range from zero to three stars, reflect reviewers’ first-hand experiences. The best-rated restaurants form our national Top 100. Our wine ratings, from zero to three stars, are made by wine editor Max Allen on the strength of the quality of the restaurant’s wine list. View our rating key here.
