Its sibling is unmistakably Melbourne, but does Harriot have the same pulling power?
Is there a more Melbourne restaurant than Tipo 00? Others certainly are deserving of the title, but as an example of what we do best, it's hard to argue that Andreas Papadakis' 11-year old flagship isn't a contender for the prize. Its vintage shopfront location on Little Bourke Street is unmistakably Melbourne. Its menu of gorgeous pastas and small plates eloquently reference our city's Italian heritage. Even the style of service – friendly, efficient, no-nonsense – has a distinctly Melbourne vibe.
The same cannot be said for Harriot, the newest restaurant from Conferre Group, which owns Tipo along with Osteria Ilaria, Figlia and Grana – all restaurants with a strongly Italian identity.
Take Harriot's setting – a new fit-out in the bottom of 555 Collins Street, the 35-storey office tower on the corner of King Street. Step through the door into the orangey-beige room, and the lo-fi luxe of the space is soothing but placeless. (It shows its sexier side at night when the room gets its glow on.)
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