Pelican

Pelican has always been a favourite of mine when I am South of the river and looking for some good tapas (not typically Spanish) and a long afternoon of drinking with friends.

The menu here tends to change with the seasons and they always have some really good options on the specials board. I generally order the lamb meatballs and the tzatziki which come with grilled Turkish bread, the roasted cauliflower gratin with truffle infused polenta is really good with the rare beef. We try and order a tuna (or other fish) carpaccio as it is always nice and fresh. The lamb cutlets here are really tender and you can order them by the piece which is always good when there are a few of you.

Pelican generally have a mussel dish on the menu which I find is always great for sharing, especially if some of your group don't like mussels, more for you. The potatas bravas comes sprinkled with good Spanish smoked paprika and home-made aioli. I haven't ordered desert here before but I have ordered from the extensive cheese menu with guidance from the staff.

The service at Pelican is friendly, relaxed and the staff are very competant and attractive, always willing to give advice on wine and how much to order and generally a pleasure to be served by. I only hope that more restaurants in Melbourne can follow the Pelican approach to service.

Pelican also does a ripper breakfast, whether it be fluffy omelettes, eggs benedict, french toast or a bloody mary.

I've been going here for years, I take my family when they are up visiting, I have no qualms in sending my friends to Pelican if they are looking for somewhere to eat in St Kilda and I will continue to go here myself as long as it keeps doing what it does.

Address: 16 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
Phone: (03) 9525 5847
Bookings: Yes