The Recreation Bistro X Bottleshop

Sometimes just walking through the door will tell you if you are going to enjoy your dining enjoyment and enjoy this place I did. The menu was well balanced and to be honest there was nothing on the menu I would not have eaten. My only gripe was that nothing jumped out on the wine menu and grabbed me, but you get that sometimes ordering by the glass. That being said the staff were very knowledgable . I have an affinity with this space having been a regular when it was a pub and the lay out and decor have added to the charm. To the food: simply outstanding and our waitress did a fantastic job of matching sides and 'up selling ' us on entrees. That to me is a good indication of a professional team and they are. The stand out strangely though , of a stand out meal, was a side salad of walnuts , pear, radicchio and cheese. It complimented my partners barramundi perfectly and my suckling pig. Again the waitress is to thank . Simply one of my new favourites!!!!

We are so impressed with our meal tonight that I’m writing this review on the tram on the way home. We live in the city but the 10 min tram ride to the burbs of Fitzroy North was so worth it tonight. We started with the oysters, kingfish, parfait, croquettes my 1st highlight of the night the Black pudding pear tartin my new favourite dish of 2018! The flavours are outstanding. Next we had the scallops and the stuffed quail. The scallops were beautiful but the quail was my 2nd highlight. So perfectly cooked, no bones perfect flavours makes this a dish to return for!! Next up we shared the barramundi fillet that left us wanting more and we finished with an amazing chocolate fondant with salted caramel ice cream the ice cream balanced out the dish so perfectly. Staff were very attentive and I was the best meal for a long time! The wine list was expansive with many interesting reasonably priced drips on offer. We have already booked to return in a few weeks time to try some more from the menu. Just go.

Gorgeous food, lovely atmosphere and WONDERFUL staff with outstanding service ! A shout out for whipping up custom made drinks n going that extra mile!! Thank you! Loved it!

Everyone makes you feel so welcome the second you walk through the door, you're thoroughly taken care of the whole time you're there, the food is beautiful especially the chocolate mousse! I cannot recommend this beautiful place enough.

Amazing food and wine, a warm welcoming atmosphere with friendly, knowledgable and attentive staff. We couldn't have asked for more from a dining experience.