Atop everyone’s bucket list is to spend a summer’s day in the heart of Europe, sipping on a drink you can’t pronounce, in a city you’ve never heard of and sharing that moment with good company. While we all wait to tick it off our list of must-do’s, 98 Lygon St is doing their best to bring European dining to you.
This isn’t just some run of the mill European restaurant trying to woo you with their food. 98 Lygon St is a vibe. It’s like stepping into a province in Italy. You’re invited into the rustic decor that blends nonna’s hospitable nature with a dash of European envy and excitement.
It’s stand out feature – the Apperetivo Hour. An hour dedicated to having a drink, chat and seeing where the day takes you. I went in with the same ambitions, however I found myself not wanting to leave. What started as one drink slowly became two, then three, and well you get the picture. The atmosphere, drinks and food left me wanting to stay and enjoy myself more.
I was spoiled for choice when it came to the selections available on the Apperetivo menu.
I would have been silly not to take advantage of the promotion on offer: order two cocktails and receive your snack for free. So, my guest for the evening and I kicked off with a Dirty Rickey – a drink for martini lovers and a 98 Spritz – a classic limoncello. To accompany it we ordered the boquerones – a plate of anchovies drizzled in oil, herbs and lemon. This was easily the highlight of my eating experience, as someone who loves the simple pleasures.
Boquerones accompanied with a 98 Spritz and a Dirty Rickey
The Lillet and Tonic – a strawberry infused Lillet Rose and Vermouth and Prosecco were next on the menu. Both drinks nailed what they were trying to achieve and were a much needed drink to go with our next snack, the Chicharron. This was pork crackling drenched in paprika. I wouldn’t recommend it if you struggle with spice but it was certainly one way to perk your ears up again if you need it.
As we enjoyed the beautiful evening Melbourne had to offer we then moved into the quaint courtyard, found in the back of the establishment. Its old brickwork embodied that feeling of being with your nonna and nonno, as they deliver food and drinks straight from the garden itself. We indulged ourselves in one last drink each and a couple mains to share – as they would in the home country.
98 Lygon Street’s quaint European courtyard
We coupled our Steak frites and Orecchiette with a glass of Prosper Maufoux Bourgogne (Chardonnay) and Brave New Wine ‘Klusterphunk (Chardonnay, Orange). Both drinks were divine, with the Chardonnay providing a smooth, buttery taste that complimented the steak well. The Orange was a briny, hazy Chardonnay that sent a battalion of flavours to war in your mouth in the best way imaginable.
Personally, I found the steak to be a little firmer than I would’ve liked. The flavour palette was there and the chips were crispy and well dressed. It might just be me, but I think there was potential for it to be something really special with a softer chew. The Orecchiette was fabulous, lathered in pesto and mixed with zucchini and peas – it was a sensational pasta that had me longing for me. If you love pesto then this dish is a must try for you.
Steak frites and Orecchiette
To conclude our evening, we enjoyed a Creme Brulee. By this stage, this was a guilty pleasure rather than a necessity as we had already entertained ourselves with such a variety of meals. I found the warm, vanilla-like custard to be the earmark of the dish. Unfortunately, its sugary surface was singed and produced a charred taste that was hard to shake. Given it was a busy evening, it’s fair to say this may have been a coincidence rather than the standard.
As we left the establishment I tried to envision how I would remember 98 Lygon St and what its main draw to me was. Reflecting now, I think it’s simple. I’ll remember it for its charming entry way, dressed with bar stools, couches and rustic decor. I’ll remember the feeling of stepping into it and feeling like I had entered a new world and was no longer in Melbourne. Most importantly, I’ll remember the vibe and vision this place brought through its highly touted Apperetivo Hour and the way it did encapsulate the feeling of stay for one, stay for two, forget it – this is where we want to be.
Book your next Apperetivo Hour at 98 Lygon St here.
Read more of our Restaurant Recommendations here.
