Fitzroy Street certainly fluctuates from gritty to funky to classy, with hip hotspots like Circa beside pubs, bars and 7-Elevens, but there Sapore stands, on a mixed block at the beach end of the street, exuding a contagious air of cosmopolitan charm. With windows opening out onto the sidewalk and outdoor seating available in the stark black-and-white-decorated downstairs area, the dining vibe is exclusive, but be prepared that service might be curt if you hit a busy time. 'Sapore' means 'taste' or 'flavour' in Italian, and the menu does not shy away from flavourful variations on modern Italian cuisine with a concentration on steak and seafood.
Striking interiors designed by one of Melbourne's leading architects, complemented by long white dining tables, dark wood slatted blinds and sweeping curvy walls, give the upstairs rooms a porthole feel. The lunch menu is redesigned seasonally, and various set menus for dinner are available for private functions. For a sweet ending to the evening, the moist chocolate croissant pudding with hot chocolate fudge and vanilla bean anglaise gets rave reviews from most tastebuds.
Maya Linden
Open
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t
w
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f
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Breakfast
Lunch
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Dinner
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Late
O
O
O
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O
Mon-Thu 11am-4pm, 6pm-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-4pm, 6pm-11pm Sun all day during summer
European and Italian
Cuisine notes: Modern Italian
Entree: $16-$29
Mains: $30-$45
Dessert: $12-$16
Degustation menu:
3 courses,
$38
Set menu:
2 courses,
$28
Payment accepted: MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club and American Express
Licensed. Wine is available by the glass. BYO $10 corkage per bottle. Sun nights only - cellar nights
This venue accepts bookings. It is advisable to make a reservation ahead of time. Group bookings are supported.
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:
Movie_Idol_Lol!
|
19 May 2010, 4.36pm
Definitely worth a try - for a special evening
I was getting a little desperate for somewhere nice to go to for our 25th wedding anniversary. I wanted a place that wasn't degustation - I didn't want some chef telling me what I wanted to eat nor "just steak", or "just seafood", so I finally settled on the Sapore without knowing anything about it. My first impression was "wow". A truly beautiful modern place. We were welcomed by the head waiter who showed us to our table and took our jackets. Marcel, our waiter, asked whether we would like a sparkling wine to begin, which we did. After bringing our drinks, Marcel explained the menu - he certainly knew his stuff.
My husband ordered Oysters Kilpatrick as a starter dish - and this was beautiful, using pancetta and balsamic vinegar - I would kill for this again - and I am not an oyster lover!!!
I decided on the Saporetti for entree (a tasting dish with beef carpaccio, tuna tartare, pork terrine, octopus picante, and a baccala ball with a toated ciabatta). I nearly swooned. My husband ordered the salt an pepper calamari - which he said was the best he'd ever had - very tender and light strips
We then had our mains. My husband had the potato gnocchi with the braised rabbit - and he said my that they could definitely teach my mother a thing or two about the tenderness of rabbit, and the gnocchi which he said just melted in his mouth, leaving a superb flavour. I was a tad disappointed with my grain fed beef. It was a little dry on the outside but the rest of the beef was fine.
We were so full, we could barely make it to the desserts, My husband had the chocolate cointreau mousse. Which he said was superb. I had the tiramisu, which was beautiful and light, but I just could not finish it.
Our waiter was attentive without being intrusive, and our water glasses were constantly filled. A fabulous evening.
Oh, and as I went to the bathroom to freshen up, there in the corridor was the prestigious Age Good Food Guide Award hanging up on the wall with a One Hat Rating. Definitely deserved.
Food:
Visit: Sun 25 April 2010
Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
Frankie D
|
11 March 2010, 10.19pm
Brilliant
It was our first time dining at Sapore and it was all we hoped for. The service was outstanding and the food was delicious. A top melbourne restaurant that ticks all the boxes.
Food:
Visit: Thu 11 March 2010
Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
nene007
|
21 February 2010, 9.07pm
great meal
Absolutely beautiful food, I cant wait to go back
Food:
Visit: Sun 21 February 2010
Mealtime: lunch
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
Natstar
|
4 October 2009, 10.57am
Brilliant dining experience
We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Sapore, entertaining friends from Sydney. It was the first time we had been there and we were very impressed. Mains were beautifully cooked, boys had angus portahouse, I had the duck cooked pink and my cousin had lamb. The dessert list is the only thing that could be improved. But after entree & mains I was almost full so I didn't worry too much. Wine list was good and with some affordable options.
Ambiance was lovely and we were lucky enough to have the key table at the front window which was so comfy with a bench seat and lots of cushions.
We wil be back!
Food:
Visit: Fri 2 October 2009
Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
Cornstar
|
17 January 2009, 11.51am
Comfy and delicious
We attended Sapore last night for dinner. From the the opulent velvety Chaise lounge through to the detail in the architecture, the ambience of the private dining window was extremely comfortable. Our waitress was attentive, knowledgable with just the right amount of "water filling". We ordered the lamb loin, duck and eye fillet. All three were cooked to perfection, had adequate accompaniments and were extremely flavoursome. Our cheese platter had a good variety of cheese types, however a little more crackers and cheese would help. The wine list was good and our choices were delicious. Well worth a visit for intimate or small group dining.
Food:
Visit: Fri 16 January 2009
Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
5Senses
|
3 January 2009, 10.13pm
Winds of change
We attended Sapore for an end of year business dinner. The venue looks great inside with the sweeping ceilings, general design and ambience. Sadly, the food did not stack up this evening and the service did not recover the experience. Too many young staff just mulling around the bar that lacked the polished experience required in such a venue. I will say however, I did go to Sapore for lunch approx 18-24mths ago and had great service and an equal level of food satisfaction. Was a very satisfied customer, shame to see a change. They had it right in the past.
Food:
Visit: Mon 22 December 2008
Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:
Posted by:
Registered user - name withheld
|
16 February 2006, 11.05am
This would have to be one of the best restaurants in Melbourne. I am always guaranteed a great time whether for lunch or dinner.
Food:
Visit: Wed 15 February 2006
Mealtime: dinner
Service:
Atmosphere:
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