Caterina's Cucina e Bar
(03) 9670 8488, Basement, 221 Queen St, Melbourne. VIC 3000 Italian $$ +
http://www.caterinas.com.auOpen Mon-Fri noon-3.30pm, ; Licensed; Cards AE DC MC V, Seats inside 90
Chef: Michele Usci (31-03-13) Owner: Caterina Borsato (31-03-13)
Mietta's Review
Caterina's is only open lunches, it is primarily a businessman's dining room. The tables are well spaced, there's a comfortable bar as you come in, suitable for snacks and afternoon drinking. Opposite there is some light and movement coming from the kitchen and a large wine display. There is also the antipasto selection in the middle of the room to tempt you as you are taken to your table. Service is very good, pleasant and the staff have exceptional memories effortlessly reciting the daily specials which consist of more than ten elaborately described dishes. It's a quiet relaxed place with music playing and conducive to staying on for a few more glasses of wine but you do have to go home for dinner. Prices are not cheap but what you should expect to pay for the linen, the space and the level of service.
Other Published Opinions
The Age Good Food Guide 2013 Score: 14/20
Read full review ...Age Good Food Guide 2013 Score: 14/20
Hardie Grant, 21 October, 2011 "Discover a new gem with deluxe food, subterranean location and knowledgeable staff.
Read full review ...
Age Good Food Guide 2012 Score: 14/20
Age Good Food Guide 2011 Score: 14.5/20
Age Good Food Guide 2010 Score: 14.5/20
Age Good Food Guide 2009 Score: 12.5/20
Age Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 13/20
Herald Sun Dining Out, Stephen Downes, 19/9/06 Score: 14/20 "For traditional reasons, Caterina's is a favourite of many business lunchers. What it serves is rooted in great Italian culinary traditions - you're unlikely to taste light flavour brilliance here - and the prices are not cheap. Also expensive are the wines on the list, which is long and comprehensive. Fortunately, eight table whites and 10 reds are sold by glass, and Caterina's house chardonnay is $25 a bottle."
Age Good Food Guide 2006 score 14/20
Age Good Food Guide 2005
Age Good Food Guide 2004 13/20
Herald Sun, Weekend, 8/11/03, Bob Hart,
Age Good Food Guide 2003. Score 13/20
Age, 23.10.01, John Lethlean review. Score 15 out of 20
Sunday Age, 10.04.99