Ilona Staller

Very very impressed! Great service, great food! Just make sure you book it gets really busy!

A client suggested we come here for a business lunch. I’d heard great things, but wasn’t overly impressed. The décor is very quirky — almost like they raided their parents houses for the ugliest wall hangings and furnishings they could find — although it works to integrate the space with the disheveled character of Carlisle street.
The bread to start was fluffy and delicious, although it had nothing on the bread and butter at Entrecôte. I ordered the bruschetta stuffed chicken thigh with gnocchi; the rest of our party selected the pappardelle ragu, rib eye steak, and the mushroom risotto.
Our meals came out promptly. Everyone seemed to enjoy their dishes, so I can’t speak for the rest of the orders. The stuffed chicken thigh was nice: well plated with interesting flavours — but it was not amazing. In fact I left feeling bloated, heavy and tired; not how you want to feel for the rest of a work day.
Overall quite underwhelming and I won’t be racing back. If you’re in the area and want to try something new, give it a go. But don’t venture out to Balaclava for this one.

We’re so lucky to have such a great restaurant in the ‘hood.
The mains menu is a mixture of Italian and some modern Australian staples but the highlights are really with the entrees and desserts. So many choices and so much of it is delicious.
They also have a fantastic bar staff. The cocktails are classic and the wine list is well-​researched.
A couple of years ago they served the best breakfast in Melbourne. They’re always trying something new and it’s worth going back regularly.

seafood linguini was good but i do think it’s expensive for what it is!

This is now my third visit to Ilona Staller and after 3 bouts of delicious food I had to write a review.
Set in the old Red Rooster store in Carlisle st, the restaurant pays homage to the famous Rooster throughout (kinda quirky). Aside from the Roosters, the stand out attractions are definitely their food and service — all top notch. I have ordered the lasagne 3 times in 3 visits and every time it has been sublime. Top that off with an amazing desert menu to die for, fine collection of medium to high prices wine and waiters that really show you love and affection and you have a 5 star experience.
Will be coming back here again and again…
Great work guys!

The restaurant accommodated a table of six without a reservation on a busy Friday night, and the service was excellent. I would definitely return.

I’ve been mulling over this review since we left the restaurant last night.
On one hand, it doesn’t take reservations, is a little noisier than we would’ve liked, and each of us was a little underwhelmed with one of our dishes. On the other, the atmosphere and service were pretty good, the desserts were fantastic, and the selection of wines commendable,
So, let me break it down a little.
Entrée. Two people had the same dish, both were a little disappointed. I was disappointed,. But the pork belly was superb.
Main: Mine was great, but no-​one else raved. Everyone enjoyed what they had, but there was a sense of things missing the mark.
Dessert. Spectacular. Without doubt some of the best desserts any of had had in recent memory.
Wines: Any time you lead with Clover Hill sparkling, and can finish with a Pedro Ximinez, you’re doing very well by me. The Mornington Peninsular Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir were both good.
This is a time I’d like half-​stars, but I’ve rounded up to 4 on the back of the wines. We won’t rush back, but that’s probably a reflection of just how many other fantastic places there are to eat.

I’ve been a fan of Ilona Staller since it opened. The food is fantastic and the service is always spot-​on. There are always some great vegetarian options (though I’d like if there were more), and the menu has frequent variations which keep it fresh and interesting. The deserts are seriously amazing. And they’ve just started doing breakfast, which, while not quite up to the standards of dinner, can certainly hold its own against some stiff competition on Carlisle St. It’s local, friendly, and always feels a bit special.