Laurel Bar & Bistro

On a freezing Friday night we rain into the Laurel bistro, escaping Melbourne’s wet weather vendetta. Warmly greeted by our waiter for the evening as we joined a small table of friends.
The warm service continued along throughout the night. Drink orders were promptly taken and drinks efficiently served. The small menu was easy to read and had decent variety. The waiter was able to easy take our order and relay to the kitchen. Here’s where the good times stopped rolling.
One fine fellow on our table ordered a well-​well done porterhouse. As explained to all this would take time to over cook. Considerable time. All agreed that this was an acceptable proposition for the table. If only the kitchen staff had been there for this discussion. It was clear as our meals started to arrive that everything bar the well well done porterhouse had been promptly cooked as ordered then left under the heat lamps. My plump little meat balls where crisply burnt on the top and my mash potato dry and devoid of any love. The cheese on the parmas overly bubbly and crisp.
Such a simple miscommunication lead to a rather bland and boring meal.

Really good dining experience. The restaurant is actually called Bistro 289; the attached pub used to be known a hangout for shady types, I’m told. The dining room can be a hangout for hungry types now, for sure.
I took my folks because we were staying at a nearby B&B and didn’t want to venture too far in the rain. It worked out well, as we all had a very good meal. It’s at the high end of pub restaurants, with veal saltimbocca, chicken bacon & mushroom risotto, pumpkin ravioli, that sort of thing. Really tasty, every dish. And a good wine list.
It’s not too bright or loud, service is friendly and responsive. A quality meal.