One of our favourites. We've done lunch and dinner several times, as a couple and with friends, and the place is welcoming with a friendly, semi-formal atmosphere.

The food is great, with classics like veal shanks, steaks, duckling and seafood prepared with flair. We've been there when it's quiet- most recently on a Monday night - and it's always comfortable and friendly when quiet. When really busy both the hospitality and atmosphere can suffer, so early in the week is best.

None of the cliche 'Aussie Italian' here. They don't smother food in tomato, cheese and cream. Real stocks and sauces, ingredients you can taste, and some excellent touches- like the side dish of green beans with yoghurt and toasted almonds.

The 'laneway' courtyard (Il Vicolo is Italian for lane) can get stuffy if it's warm, so it's better to be in the main dining room in warmer weather. It's a positive scene, obviously a meeting place for locals at dinner time.

Desserts are a plus here too, with a wide selection including souffle and fruit-based offerings. The wine list and coffee are very good and you can BYO wine.

Il Vicolo- well recommended.

Maybe the flagship of middle-market quality Italian restaurants in Carlton. We've done lunch and dinner a few times, as a couple and with friends, and the place is welcoming with a friendly, semi-formal atmosphere.

The food is great, with classics like veal shanks, steaks, duckling and seafood prepared with flair. We've been there when it's quiet- most recently on a Monday night - and it's always comfortable and friendly when quiet. When really busy both the hospitality and atmosphere can suffer, so early in the week is best.

None of the cliche 'Aussie Italian' here. They don't smother food in tomato, cheese and cream. Real stocks and sauces, ingredients you can taste, and some excellent touches- like the side dish of green beans with yoghurt and toasted almonds.

The 'laneway' courtyard (Il Vicolo is Italian for lane) can get stuffy if it's warm, so it's better to be in the main dining room in warmer weather. It's a positive scene, obviously a meeting place for locals at dinner time.

Desserts are not a stand out for me, as I gravitate to fruit-based desserts when I can. Watch for the specials. I have been advised by chocolate lovers that the chocolate souffle is a star dish. The wine list and coffee are very good and you can BYO wine.

Il Vicolo- well recommended.

Maybe the flagship of middle-market quality Italian restaurants in Carlton. We've done lunch and dinner a few times, as a couple and with friends, and the place is welcoming with a friendly, semi-formal atmosphere.

The food is great, with classics like veal shanks, steaks, duckling and seafood prepared with flair. We've been there when it's quiet, and when really busy and the friendly, efficient style has continued.

None of the cliche 'Aussie Italian' here. They don't smother food in tomato, cheese and cream. Real stocks and sauces, ingredients you can taste, and some excellent touches- like the side dish of green beans with yoghurt and toasted almonds.

The 'laneway' courtyard (Il Vicolo is Italian for lane) can get stuffy if it's warm, so it's better to be in the main dining room in warmer weather. It's a positive scene, obviously a meeting place for locals at dinner time.

Desserts are not a stand out for me, as I gravitate to fruit-based desserts when I can. Watch for the specials. I have been advised by chocolate lovers that the chocolate souffle is a star dish. The wine list and coffee are very good and you can BYO wine.

Il Vicolo- well recommended.