ReJ Cafe and Restaurant

LOCATION
In the Melbourne Building, beneath the Quest Apartments and Hotel.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
ReJ Restaurant is one in an illustrious line-up of eateries in the Melbourne Building. This entrepot of cuisines brings together flavours from around the world – apt for a restaurant in the Quest Apartments and Hotel. But ReJ is not a mere convenience for the well travelled. It is as ideally situated for the lunchtime rush as it is for pre-theatre meals and drinks. Perhaps ReJ will be the site for your next office lunch or function, for it has a spacious courtyard room for private bookings, and seating for up to 80 people. The warm lighting and golden-brown walls with their hanging still-lifes lend an old world atmosphere to the restaurant. The general quietude is also perfect for romantic candlelit evenings – a far cry from the usual noise and bustle of the nearby restaurants.

The self-declared modern Australian menu actually draws more influence from Mediterr-Asian cuisine. For entree, the unlikely bedfellows of Thai fish cakes and Italian bruschetta sit uncomfortably together; and although delicious, the menu lacks cohesion – this dichotomy is continued throughout. However, to pick a side and stick with it leads to a lovely meal in the end. The extensive pasta list is quite delicious; a speciality is the intriguing spiralli served with onions, garlic, mushrooms, shallots and basil in a macchiato sauce, or try the vegetarian risotto, with spring vegetables in a napolitana sauce. ReJ Cafe and Restaurant also has an extensive kids’ menu.

Russell Buzby, April 2009