Merchant; Melbourne CBD.
Merchant
495 Collins Street
Melbourne
link: merchantov.com
After the launch at Lui Bar, we decided to have a bite at Merchant, given it’s just at the Rialto’s doorstep. It’s been a while since I’ve been to Grossi Florentino, but Merchant is quite distinct from it with a casual bistro feel and a true blue Italian menu.
bigoli de bassan, crab, radicchio, chilli ($26)
Bigoli, a venetian pasta, had a beautiful bite with little chunks of sweet fresh crab & slightly bitter dark purple radicchio running through it.
risotto, porcini mushrooms ($20)
Neat whole grains with a fair bite, and little bites of earthy porcini.
polenta, olive oil, parmesan ($7)
Velvety, and fragrant with parmesan and olive oil. The polenta with gorgonzola sounds promising.
A no fuss talian menu, each with short simple descriptions. The pastas we had were in the same fashion, but cooked well.
