Stairway to Heaven: Three bars across from Parliament

Stairway to Heaven: Three bars across from Parliament

Through an unmarked door next to the Windsor Hotel opposite the Victoria State Parliament building, lay some interesting dining establishments.

The ground floor houses The European, next door (through the unmarked door) is The Melbourne Supper Club; a flight up from that is the Siglo Bar, partly in- and partly out-doors with a great view of Parliament and St. Patrick's Cathedral.

My colleague and I started at The European Restaurant (a heavy rain forced us indoors). We had a round of red wine (sadly, only European and no Australian wines were offered - perhaps because of the name) and interesting conversation before heading through the unmarked door to the The Melbourne Supper Club for a second glass of red, some polenta fries, and "party pies" (small little meat pies).

Heading up the final flight of stairs, we ordered a final glass of pinot noir and sat on the outside portion (the rain having ended) and enjoyed the view of the floodlit Parliament.

Service in all three was excellent, the location great, and food and drink quite good.

The European Restaurant
Meal: Drinks
Date Visited: 5 June 2010
Rating: ***
Address: 161 Spring St., Melbourne VIC 3000
Website: http://www.theeuropean.com.au

The Melbourne Supper Club
Meal: Wine and appetizers
Date Visited: 5 June 2010
Rating: ****
Address: 1st/161 Spring St., Melbourne VIC 3000
Website: http://www.visitmelbourne.com

Siglo Bar
Meal: Drinks
Date Visited: 5 June 2010
Rating: *****
Address: Level 2, 161 Spring Street, Melbourne
Website: N/A