LOCATIONAt the south western end of Flinders Street, close to the corner of Spencer Street, opposite the Melbourne Aquarium.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAThis spacious and comfortable city bar and restaurant feels like an extension of your own lounge room and delivers reasonably-priced meals. Bertha Brown is located on the ground floor of the historic Markillies Hotel, with all-too-easy access from the youth hostel upstairs. But this venue takes all comers, with a mix of diners as eclectic as its decor. The interior retains many of its period features while incorporating gastro-pub style with its funky fit-out of reclaimed furniture, offbeat light boxes and op-shop artworks. The pizzas are a steal even without the special lunchtime price of $5, and the budget-friendly menu extends to some pub-style classics as well as to well-priced cocktails.
The thin crust pizzas, also available to take away, feature gourmet toppings such as prosciutto, chilli, pecorino rocket and garlic, and chorizo, goat’s cheese and roasted peppers. Options such as the German pizza with bacon, potatoes, garlic and sauerkraut or the Irish version complete with champ, cheese, chives and mashed potatoes also serve to give many a weary traveller a taste of home. Otherwise try one of the usual suspects. These reasonably-priced pub-style options include beer battered fish and chips, beef and chicken burgers, nicoise salad and pan-fried saffron gnocchi with peas, olive oil and fresh pecorino. Desserts include a peaches and cream pizza, creme brulee and a sweet calzone of the day. It may be a little more out of the way than many city eateries, but Bertha Brown’s well-priced nosh and easy atmosphere make it worth the extra effort.
Angela Costanzo