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Inner Melbourne
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Carlton
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Mediterranean
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Balzari
130 Lygon Street
CARLTON 3053
| 03 9639 9383call
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| Price Range: Mains: $19.00 - $28.50 (Avg: $23.75) |
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-37.804031
144.966629
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| HOURS |
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Sunday |
| Breakfast |
CLOSED |
CLOSED |
CLOSED |
CLOSED |
CLOSED |
CLOSED |
CLOSED |
| Lunch |
1200-2230 |
1200-2230 |
1200-2230 |
1200-2230 |
1200-2230 |
1200-2230 |
1200-2230 |
| Dinner |
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151.3 out of
100% Please note: The reviews below are more than 12 months old.  Member Review by GarySubmitted April, 2009 Balzari is now a fairly ordinary addition to the tourist offerings in Lygon Street. On our last visit my 'pasticcio' ($27:50) was a very ordinary lasagne/ pasticcio dish - refer to my review of 'Benito's' in the city for a better version of something similar. My friend's sausage 'friulana with wet polenta' ($27:50) was very small, poorly assembled and presented, and with quality and freshness a bit suspect. We waited half an hour for bruschetta, a centimetre slice of baguette proportions topped with pumpkin and ricotta ($6:50).
Menu changes from last Spring through to the current Autumn menu show a major 'value for money' slide. The Balzari website menu predates Christmas, with the reality changing significantly. One of my favourite dishes of last year- pork slice with lentils, apples, cabbage and sausage has not only disappeared, it would look very out-of-place on the short and relatively straightforward menu Balzari now offers. Other much-loved mains like the duck breast, and the seared scallop entree have also gone, with nothing of interest to replace them. Overall, the interest level and complexity of the current menu is a long way from Balzari's past.
Balzari's regular dining room staffers who did good work also haven't been there recently. On our most recent visit our two waiters were strangers, seemed a bit out of it, had little knowledge of the menu, found our bottle of red with bottled mineral water a service challenge, and shared a penchant for kicking the legs of my chair. The wine list is small but okay for starters and mains, with BYO on Tuesday and Wednesdays.
I'm regretfully giving up on Balzari, where I've spent a lot of money and been well looked after in the past. Recurring negative experiences have this effect. Also - watch for the dates of other website/ food-guide reviews, because Balzari carries its reputation on outdated information. I cannot recommend Balzari nowadays - there are many better quality, better value places to enjoy lunch or dinner with wine in inner Melbourne.
 Historical Review by GarySubmitted October, 2008 Balzari has become one of our regulars. The menu is described as 'mediterranean' and draws largely on Italian, but not the sort of thing most of its Lygon St neighbours do - delightful hand-made antipasti choices that can be selected to produce a feast of small dishes; superb fresh pasta dishes - try the pappardelle with quail as a good example - and meat dishes that are unforgettable, with real effort going into combinations and sauces.
Quality pork produce stands out; both prosciutto and freshly cooked. Their menu stalwart of pork with home made sausage, cabbage and lentils is a favourite of mine. We also like eveything we've eaten there as we have worked our way through the menu. The venetian rice pudding is one of the best desserts I've ever eaten.
You don't see many carefully assembled wine lists - or cheese lists - like Balzari's anywhere. The service is personal and efficient without any pushiness. We really like the atmosphere, and it's a great location at the city end of Lygon Street. Well recommended! Historical Review by GarySubmitted October, 2008 Balzari has become one of our regulars. The menu is described as 'mediterranean' and draws largely on Italian, but not the sort of thing most of its Lygon St neighbours do - delightful hand-made antipasti choices that can be selected to produce a feast of small dishes; superb fresh pasta dishes - try the pappardelle with quail as a good example - and meat dishes that are unforgettable, with real effort going into combinations and sauces.
Quality pork produce stands out; both prosciutto and freshly cooked. Their menu stalwart of pork with home made sausage, cabbage and lentils is a favourite of mine. We also like eveything we've eaten there as we have worked ourway through the menu. The venetian rice pudding is one of the best desserts I've ever eaten.
You don't see many carefully assembled wine lists - or cheese lists - like Balzari's anywhere. The service is personal and efficient without any pushiness. We really like the atmosphere, and it's a great location at the city end of Lygon Street. Well recommended! Reviews are opinions of the author and do not represent the views of FoodGod Victoria, Neolux Communications, or its employees, contractors or supporters. If you have any queries, please contact us. |
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