Conveniently located across the road from Melbourne University, Animal Orchestra is a haven for students needing a shot of caffeine, juice or fizz. It's also gaining kudos among Carltonites as the hippest panini joint this side of the Yarra. Long red tables spill out onto the pavement on a sunny day as latte-sippers bask, and sometimes doze, under Melbourne's gentle rays. Squeeze inside where the stools hug the bar and the tiny windows offer a glimpse of Grattan Street. The back room is dimly lit and lends more space and intimacy away from the bustle of the street - it's decorated with pale gold curtains and peach cushions and lampshades. The five or six mirrors on the wall are roughly shaped, whereas the round, petite tables are smooth with gleaming rims. Pick your favourite panini from the board: there's smoked salmon, salami, mushrooms, grilled vegetables and more. Keep an eye on the soup of the day - it tends to change every few hours, or if a sweet bite is your bent there's cakes and biscuits by the bar.
Erin O'Brien
Open
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t
w
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f
s
s
Breakfast
O
O
O
O
O
O
Lunch
O
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O
O
O
Dinner
O
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O
Late
Mon-Fri 7.30am-10pm, Sat 8am-6pm
Breakfast, Cafe and International
Entree: $6.50-$10
Mains: $7.50-$15
Dessert: $1.20-$6.50
Payment accepted: Cash Only
Licensed.
This venue accepts bookings. Group bookings are not accepted.
All reviews and ratings are the expressed opinions of our users, and in no way reflects the opinions of yourRestaurants, its staff and its affiliates.
Posted by:
nom-nom-nom
|
19 June 2009, 12.45am
Great little place
Stopped by for a coffee and a catch up with a friend, and definitely found the right place. Coffees were great and so was the sticky date pudding. Will be returning soon...
Food:
Visit: Fri 5 June 2009
Mealtime: afternoon tea
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
marilyn82
|
20 May 2008, 11.33am
Still sitting on the fence
Don't get me wrong, I completely agree with litlone's above review of Animal Orchestra (fondly referred to as 'AO', or 'alternative office' for University of Melbourne staff...). In November 2007, AO was a highlight of many uni-goers day, with consistently great coffee, an interesting and tasty menu, warm and genuine service and food that you didn't mind being overpriced due to the trendy-yet-inclusive atmosphere.
So what's my beef (so to speak) with the place now? New management earlier this year has decreased the standards of AO. While the food is still generally great (I think they've retained the chef), the quality of the drinks and service is inconsistent. You can no longer tell whether you'll be getting a great AOT (a tonic of lemon, honey and ginger) or a $4 glass of yellow acidic water. The service is still friendly, but with an average of 3 mistakes a week with orders, it takes a lot of energy to leave your office in winter to be disappointed by a dairy-milk latte when you're a lactose-intolerant flat white drinker.
My final verdict? Well, my final verdict is not out yet. The transition to new management may take time, and I think I'll give the new owners the right to ease into the new pace and vibe of this great venue. Try the place out and see how you go. Take-away pides and tasty soups are still worth the trip over there.
I'll check in again with an update in a few months!
Food:
Visit: Tue 20 May 2008
Mealtime: lunch
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
litlone
|
16 November 2007, 3.17pm
Perfect little hideout
I cannot believe this gorgeous little place has not had a review! Tucked away is this very welcoming cafe, almost feels like I'm walking in to my own kitchen. The walls are dressed with faces and places of yesteryear, giving me the feel that the walls have been there for thousands and thousands of days. The boys offer an attractive combination of simple and sophisticated dishes at a price that will suit all. The service is swift and doesn't compromise on the quality of the food or the friendliness of staff. Wether you're after dinner, the most amazing breakfast or your morning coffee (which I dearly miss), this is an absolute must for every Melburnian cafe connoisseur.
Food:
Visit: Fri 16 November 2007
Service:
Atmosphere:
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