Overview
Mediterranean-inspired bars and restaurants are popping up all over the city. They're heroing minimalist design features with plenty of natural finishes. Spritz menus are now a thing. And classic Euro-centric bites — especially simply-prepared seafood — are everywhere.
This kind of food is seen to be the best companion to the lighter and juicier wines (plus the beloved pet-nats) that are growing in popularity right now. We're not unhappy about this trend. The Mediterranean style of dining, which can go from light snacking and sipping on wines to full on feasting, is downright fabulous.
The latest spot to capitalise on this is Lucia in South Melbourne.
But it isn't simply jumping on the bandwagon. The crew here are already responsible for creating a handful of charming European wine bars and restaurants in Melbourne (Riserva, Baia Di Vino and San Lorenzo). Lucia seems like a very natural addition to the group.
For this venture, owners Frank Ciorciari and Anthony Silvestre have brought on Jordan Clavaron (ex-Society, Cutler & Co) as Head Chef. Lucia's all-day menu is inspired by Claravon's travels around Spain, France and Italy, and there is a particularly strong seafood focus.
That'll be pretty obvious once you walk in and see the impressive seafood bar and watch as waiters carry out the all-too-luxurious caviar service — another growing trend in the fine-dining Melbourne scene.
Pasta, risotto, steaks and a decent selection of small snacking plates will also be available alongside a dedicated bar menu that includes the Lucia Burger — only available to diners at the bar.
Head Sommelier Simone Garro is running the wine side of things at Lucia and has curated a 400-strong wine list that covers a range of prices, regions and grape varieties. For those wanting to try some rare drops without having to get a super spenny bottle, Garro has even made a few available by the glass by using a Coravin.
Lucia's Bar Manager Efe Iseri (ex-Strato Bar, Kisumé) has also created some Euro-inspired cocktails and has stocked the bar with a hefty selection of digestives and aperitifs.
Hospitality veteran Christian Janko (Entrecote, France-Soir) has been tasked with running the front of house. Having worked at two of the best French restaurants in Melbourne (famed for having exceptional old-school European service), you should expect to be well looked after.
Even though this particular style of drinking and dining is all over Melbourne these days, Lucia has a team of hospo heavyweights ready to fight off the competition.
You'll find Lucia at 11 Eastern Road, South Melbourne, open 12pm–late from Tuesday to Saturday. For more information, head to the restaurant's website.