Grill Steak Seafood (Hardware Lane)

Category: Steakhouse/Italian/Seafood

Location: 66 Hardware Lane  Melbourne, VIC 3000

Cost: $$$

J'Rate: ♥♥♥



This restaurant has got to be one of my favourites. Perhaps it is because I haven't been exposed to many others but I would say, if anything, this would be the one place I'd take my friends on our first few dinner dates. The area is convenient, close to Flinders Station and the vibes there is spectacular. In a hidden lane-way filled with busy restaurants, live music, outdoor dining, upstairs intimacy, bars, good food and great service I'm surprised this restaurant only has a rating of 49% on urbanspoon. Walking down this lane, you'll hear the same deals cut by the same managers every time. "Come in we'll throw you free first round drinks, perhaps even an entree" they'd say and yes that's what draws me here every time.

 I've been here three times and counting and every time, the service and food has been on point. Their steak is probably one of the best i've tried, the salt and pepper squid entree platter served with oyster sake dressing is the softest, well cooked squid dish I've had (love love love the sauce that's for me to say because I hate sauce but this one gets me every time) and their penne pollo avocado which is pasta with chicken and avocado with creamy garlic sauce is one of my favourites here. The best thing is you basically pay for what you get. The dishes are large and cooked to perfection, as expected every time. On top of that, let me know if you're not impressed with their desserts. Their Creme Brulee is my favourite but then again, which Creme Brulee isn't

The most recent time going, it was my friend's 18th, we were beyond my schedule, late but none of us complaining, although I was really hoping for fast service and that was exactly what we got. Every time we were ready to order, the waitress/waiters were ready for us and hey, we got our complimentary free entree of fresh garlic bread and that was mouthwatering as well as cocktails (Long Island Iced Tea, Apple Martini and Cosmopolitan) of our own valued at $4.50 and $15 each respectively. I tried the Chicken Mirabella and it was gold. Crumbled Chicken Breast topped with Mushroom sauce, mixed salad and fresh potato cutlets, baked. My friends helped themselves with linguine bolognese and Gnocchi Gorgonzola, which she found plain, not surprised as it really is just potato!

Chicken Mirabella $22.50
Linguine Bolognese $ 22.50
Gnocchi Gorgonzola (v) $ 24.50

Now interior wise, each table is accompanied with flowers and candles both inside and outside, their upstairs is dim, romantically lit and the ground floor inside is modern, sophisticated and refurbished. I'm loving the artworks implemented, it's a nice complementary to the building. The restaurants in this lane are quite close together meaning the floor space for each restaurant is limited, hence some table areas are close by, making it difficult to shift or move around yet they've set it out in a way to accommodate and maximise their guests. Besides what more could you expect, it is in a tiny lane way.

I wish I have more photos to show but I was in a hurry. Nonetheless this lane way is a must visit, you won't regret it!