Rubicon Cafe

LOCATION
Just out of the city on North Melbourne’s Errol Street.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS
Rubicon is a great casual dining spot that accommodates weekend breakfasters and late-night diners alike. A change of ownership last year saw the focus shift towards utilising the wood-fired oven that dominates a large portion of the bar. The menu offers a large selection of excellent wood-fired pizzas and foccacia, as well as pasta and risotto. Try the homemade gnocchi with bacon, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, or the fettuccini with chicken and lemon zest meatballs in a Napoli sauce. Pizzas range from traditional toppings such as capricciosa or salsicce with homemade sausage, through to sweet chilli chicken, potato and rosemary or the Rubicon special of hot salami, roasted peppers, black olives and mozzarella.

The menu also boasts some interesting alternatives. For a robust starter try the stracchetti di manzo – pan-fried strips of porterhouse with roasted peppers, onion, garlic and tomato sauce served with fresh bread. Other house specialties include kangaroo fillet served with potato roesti, wilted spinach and a raspberry jus and the Rubicon grilled breast chicken served with sauteed prawns in a cream, mustard and brandy sauce, and mash and vegetables. The portions are excellent value for money, as is the Aussie dominated wine list, and the staff make you feel very much at home. Rubicon is a great choice if you are looking for a quality, reasonably priced meal in a friendly and casual atmosphere.

Angela Costanzo