Babbo - Melbourne

Madame Brussels Lane
50 Lonsdale Street Melbourne


Casareccia con carciofi & fave alla panna $13
(Sicilian twisted tube-shaped pasta with artichoke & broad beans in cream)
* fresh chilli, fresh parmesen & fresh bread adds kick to the meal and is all part of the deal!

Meat-free/Meat* ratio: 8/12
Just vego/Meat* ratio: 6/12
Specials: yes
Comments: Such a shame this lunch venue is only open for breakfast and lunch as boy do I wish it was open for dinner. Italian food, Italian warmth, Italian hospitality. Homestyle comfort at it's best. The menu offers pizzas, soups and salads with 2 choices, meat or vego each unique from each other. On Thursdays and Fridays, they have pasta specials, again one meat and one vego and each always different from the other. I look forward to these days as I have yet to have the same vego dish each time. The use of seasonal produce to create unfamiliar combinations makes Babbo an exciting place. The remainder of the menu consists of a variety of piadinas which are perfect for those on the run. Good coffee is a given.

Grain Rating: 4 / 5

* Meat refers to grain-fed animals = beef, pork & poultry

SUD - South Yarra Melbourne

299 Toorak Road, South Yarra

Orecchetti with broccoli, anchovies,
garlic,chilli and Pecorino Romano $26

Meat-free/Meat* ratio: 9/18
Just Vego/Meat* ratio: 5/18
Specials: yes
Comments: This is one restaurant that seems to unintentionally cater to both the vego and meat eater. However, caution should be taken if you're a strict vegan. Wait staff were pleasant but inexperience and nervous. Meal was nothing special but menu had variety. To their defense, it was a Monday and thus proabbly the head chef's day off. But then, that's pretty disappointing if consistency is not a priority.

Grain Rating: 2.5 / 5

* Meat refers to grain-fed animals = beef, pork & poultry