Syracuse Restaurant Bar

Syracuse is a wine 'lounge' with good food in the heart of Melbourne's bustling corporate area. Step inside the velvet curtains to view the 19th century room, furnished with a mish-mash of antiques and faux finery. There's nothing fake about the gem of a menu or wine list, both legendary in their own rights.

The focus is on the enormous wine list and indeed it is a destination spot for those serious about crushed and fermented grape juice. The list features over 700 wines, and has unsurprisingly been named in the Australian Wine List of the Year Hall of Fame each year since 1999.

Breakfast is on offer, but it's lunch that steals the show. Chef Hal Riches produces a stunner of a modern Mediterranean menu showcasing his enviable skill of blending flavours and techniques together. In the afternoon and evening, the menu adapts to its support role and is comprised of predominantly smaller tasting plates meant to be shared and enjoyed with wine. This snug spot is so homey you'll find it hard to leave.