Member Review by

Q: We're going for dinner where? Lionel Bar...where's that?

A: It's the one next to Metropol

Q: But isn't that...

A: No, not Termini, the other side of Metropol.

Q: You mean the place that's usually empty when there's people queuing up to get into Metropol?

A: Yes. That place. BUT...no longer is it the quiet, shy, neglected young friend of Metropol living in the shadows...it has stepped out, stepped up and is living loud and proud...and it is getting lots of attention. Last night friends and I met at Lionel for a couple of loungey drinks on the long Lionel sofas, for a birthday celebration. We sat inside the bar as it was a bit chilly out, however the outer area 'deck' at the entrance was covered and had plastic shades down, the enclosure would probably have been warm enough....certainly seemed to be lots of people out at the sofas and tables in that area enjoying themselves! After catching up, giving presents and enjoying the ambiance of the bar area, we walked through to the restaurant seciton. It was small, it was cosy, it smelt delish!

One of the many great things about Lionel is that it offers a $10 pasta & vino menu during the week. My friends and I all went for this option (who wouldn't!?) though we did also get some foccacia and olives to start. There were about 4 pasta options....only 3 of which I can remember. The duck & mushroom risotto was goooood and one of our girlfriends got complete 'order-envy' when it arrived in front of the birthday girl and not at her seat! I had the braised lamb & pea rigattoni, but after the meat-eater next to me had a taste of it, he managed to convince me to trade him for the risotto. The one with the 'order envy' had chosen fusilli with tuna, olive and tomato with lemon chilli sauce. Despite her initial grisslings, she did actually like her dish. She looked on the bright side and realised it was a lighter option and still yum, though apparently the pasta was done a bit beyond 'al dente'. The 5 of us at dinner all chose the house-red to go with our pastas...it was easily drinkable...in fact, we had a couple of glasses each!

I like Lionel...I like that it is finally getting more business...I like that its got a selection of comfy sofas and lounges...I like that the bar is long and easy to prop up against...I like that its cosy, despite being kinda large...I like the atmosphere. I will definitely return to many more $10 pastas nights and weekend drinks!