Vaporetto Bar and Eatery - Hawthorn

Unless you know exactly where this compact restaurant is you may never find it. If you’re a Hawthorn local and shop locally you would know where it is either off the pool car park or off the main street. A long thin eatery with an extensive bar. Vaporetto serves up some fine Italian food in a atmosphere which makes you feel Rome’s just around the corner. 

We sat right down the back and it was pretty cramped but not uncomfortably so. Plenty of good wine, beer and food choices will let your pallet be your guide. I was with a table of five other family members and each was happy with food and drink. Table service was very friendly and professional and everyone got what they ordered and service was not overly long. I even went for dessert which generally I don’t.

Decor is Italian and the overall feel is true “Italy” and with easy parking even on busy days there is no reason not to go. On our visit it was very busy (and a little noisy) so book well ahead or pick earlier in the week. Go for a drink a big meal with friends of a quick eat. You will be happy and perhaps full. 

Ventuno21 - Black Rock

 A group of us ate here some years back but for some reason I failed to blog it. Let me rectify that. We dinned with my foodie relations who live in the area and it was their suggestion. It is a long thin restaurant and we were placed against the wall deep inside. From here we got to watch some meal prep and chats between staff. 

 My food was good but my wife felt disappointed. Others I ate with seemed happy with there choices and for me I would have to recommend a visit to Ventuno21 to determine for yourself what you think. Decor is on theme and street parking available. Can get busy so pick your night or book ahead. You should be pleased. 

Tommy Ruff - fish food restaurant Modialloc

Me first encounter with Tommy was fish and chips take away on Mordialloc beach with my daughter and her partner. The experience was not a good one. That was near a year ago. More recently we dined in store at the Ruff’s for a much more pleasurable experience. I had eaten out the night before and it was fish. Looking for an alternative I went the beef burger. Possibly the best burger I have ever had. The tap IPA was weak and watery, stay away. 

I ate with five others and all enjoyed their meals and pricing is about right. Can get noisy so pick your night but sure to attend, foods better than good. Parking is available but busy nights may have you parking  away. Its a young set but attend for the food. Window seats are a available but book well ahead.