Barney Allen’s

The Look: Restaurant memorabilia, Mirka Mora paintings – there’s definitely a degree of Tolarno déjà vu which makes sense given that Iain Hewitson is one of the partners.
The crowd: Seems to skew a little older with more thirty-somethings than P-platers on our visit.
To drink: Wines plus local and imported beers make up the bulk of the list but cocktails bring on that Friday feeling best. Try the Siberian Sangria ($14.50) which includes limes, chilli and a liberal glug of Stoli or the Sumatrian Swinger ($13.50) with its Alize Gold and white peach puree.
To eat: small, medium and large plates, which frankly all seem to be on the generous side. The nosh is simple, hearty and keenly priced; Barney’s speciality is house-made rotisserie chook with mash ($20).
The soundtrack: smooth crooners by afternoon, more upbeat by evening.
The great outdoors: instead of backyard exile, smokers get Fitzroy Street frontage with Moroccan-style mosaic tables and upholstered cubes.

By Marinella Padula

 

Address: 14 Fitzroy St, St Kilda, Melbourne
Phone: 9525 5477
Open: Daily