San Telmo is an Argentine restaurant located in Meyers Place in the heart of the CBD in Melbourne. Their menu is based around the Parrilla (Imported Argentine charcoal grill that is 2.5 metres BIG). The owners (Jason and Renee McConnell and brothers Dave and Mickey Parker) together with head chef Mick Patrick have created a Tapas style menu using local produce. You walk into the restaurant and you are greeted with the warmth and the smoky, earthy smells from the Parrilla which is to the left, and is surrounded by seats all around so you can watch as the chefs create your meals. The vibe is lively and fun, and the decor rustic charm. The restaurant takes you back to olden day Buenos Aires from its 300 year old antique doors to the raw imported cow hides and coloured glass soda bottles from the suburb of San Telmo (it is the oldest neighbourhood in Buenos Aires) itself.
The menu at San Telmo is designed to be shared, which is the an integral part of Argentinian culture. It gives the opportunity to enjoy great food and wine with family and friends. My friend and I settled on a couple of dishes but sadly didn’t have any time for dessert as they needed the table back by 8pm. I have heard from other people who have dined at San Telmo that their dessert menu is just as good as their other foods so I definitely have to come back and check it out.
Argentinians are known for their love of meat, and at San Telmo this is what they specialise in. Meat cooked in the Parrilla. However, there are still plenty of veggie and seafood options as well. We ordered the Brócoli – Fried Broccoli, Salted Ricotta, Calamares – Local, line caught Calamari, Chickpeas and Preserved Lemon, Entraña – O’Connor Pasture fed Hanger Steak, Batatas – Coal roasted Sweet Potato and Spring Onion and Zanahorias – Burnt carrots, Thyme and Goat’s Curd. All the dishes we ordered bar the Broccoli were cooked in the Parrilla and the earthy flavours really did show. My favourite were the Carrots and I recommend people to order this dish when they do visit. They were perfectly smoked and the Goats Curd and Thyme added additional flavour – really delicious! The Calamares was a simple yet tasty dish. The Steak was a juicy, pink and tender – just what you look for in a good steak. Just a note with cuts of meats – they are presented with a recommended cooking degree, however they do accommodate requests for specific cooking preferences.
Loved the atmosphere, Loved the food, Great Service. Disappointed that I didn’t get to try the famous Dulce De Leche (Argentinian national dessert) – but I will definitely will be back to do so! Check this place out, you will not regret it!
Rating : 4.5 Pandas
Price: $$$
Menu – Tapas Style sharing menu – http://www.santelmo.com.au/main/menu
Fullness: 100%
Atmosphere / Ambience: Lively and Rustic. A little bit of Argentina in Melbourne.
Standout Dish: Entraña – O’Connor Pasture fed Hanger Steak AND Zanahorias – Burnt carrots, Thyme and Goat’s Curd
Service: Friendly and always ready to help out with reccomendations and let you know if you have or haven’t ordered enough dishes.
Online Booking: Yes via website – http://www.santelmo.com.au/main/reservations
Restaurant Details and Location:
http://www.santelmo.com.au/
Between Bourke and Little Collins Streets
14 Meyers Place, Melbourne
Tel No: 9650 5525
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 7am – Late
Saturday: 12pm – Late
grazing panda 