Restaurant/wine bar hybrid The Commoner brings an exciting blend of eclectic Middle Eastern flavours to the Fitzroy dining scene. Co-owner Jo Corrigan has a rich history in hospitality - including a stint at London's The Brackenbury - while head chef Zoe Roy gained a wealth of experience at eateries such as Montsalvat Cafe in Eltham and Richmond Hill Cafe & Larder. Roy directs an ever-changing, seasonal and produce-driven menu featuring specials like pan-roasted blue-eyed cod and baby zucchinis with garlic, parsley and chickpea fries.
The 'house yoghurt' trails as a theme through many of the dishes; it accompanies, for example, the weekend brunch serving of baked free-range eggs, spiced lamb and chickpeas. Communal tables and full bar service make this a great place to drink and dine with friends. Be sure to ask after some 'cheeky food' - a secret array of off-the-menu items - or visit on a Sunday for the regular wood-fired roast.
Gourmet Traveller 2010 Australian Restaurant Guide - "It’s immediately obvious that The Commoner is someone’s cherished dining room. The original artworks and shadowbox filled with trinkets say that this space is put together by an individual, not a company."
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:
condiment
|
31 August 2009, 3.34pm
Worth a visit
I have been passing The Commoner on my way to Melbourne Uni and more recently on my way to work in Carlton nearly every day for the past 8 years. On Saturday, I finally stopped at the front door and went inside for breakfast. I was not disappointed. Our coffees were brought promptly and at an acceptable drinkable temperature. I ordered the special - an omelette with smoked trout, smashed peas, goat's curd and toast. It was absolutely delicious. My only criticism is that the omelette and trout could have benefited from a little more dill. The peas - not particularly my favourite vegetable - were absolutely fantastic. My friend ordered the baked eggs with lamb and chickpeas, which came in a lovely terracotta pot, sizzling hot and full of flavour. He kept raving about the bread - I think he could have eaten an entire loaf! The service was prompt and friendly. The actual restaurant is small but provides for a cosy atmosphere. Best of all, when we hung about reading the paper after our meals, we were not made to feel like we needed to vacate the table. There were some interesting meals written on the dinner blackboard, which I look forward to trying some time in the future.
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Visit: Sat 29 August 2009
Mealtime: breakfast
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Posted by:
chanel11
|
28 June 2009, 1.28pm
Average
The room is tiny and the tables are fairly close together, for most of breakfast we didn't talk as the table next to us kept interrupting our conversation with theirs (they were not fans of Transformers 2). I ordered Scrambled eggs with Winter greens and was dissapointed that the 'winter greens' were undressed salad leaves - I was hoping for some warm kale, spinach or something along that road. The bread was a little too brown that it tasted like charcoal and the eggs were a little rubbery - I was also still quite hungry when done. My husband ordered the Honkey sandwich which he liked, but felt that after a while it was a little much flavourwise and began to taste 'weird'. The Winter lemonade was quite yum - just wish there had been more of it. Overall the food was average, a little pricey and the atmosphere, whilst cosy, is a little claustrophobic for me. We were also waiting a long time for the bill.
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Visit: Sun 28 June 2009
Mealtime: breakfast
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Posted by:
ays
|
27 April 2009, 2.45pm
Left feeling a bit hmmmmmm
We ate at the Commoner on a Sunday afternoon - and after hearing good reviews from friends we were a little disappointed, despite it being a cosy, warm environment. The meals were very expensive for what we were served - and portions were on the small side - not a great feeling when you leave hungry! We were not offered any bread prior to the meal. The serve of roast had the 2 smallest slivers of meat with some green lettuce & chickpea stew type side. Not great!
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Visit: Sun 15 March 2009
Mealtime: lunch
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