I’d heard Marion Wine Bar come up a lot whenever people talked about Melbourne’s best restaurants, so I was very happy to finally make it there myself and it lived up to its reputation as an in-demand dining spot.

Situated in the trendy Fitzroy neighborhood, what Marion does best is simple food with a lot of flavor. Marion also has a really nice outdoor seating area, which adds to the relaxed Fitzroy vibe and makes it a great spot for long lunches or warm evenings with wine.  It’s known for smart, produce-driven dishes, great small plates, beautiful bread, and a wine list that gets just as much attention as the menu.  The menu is designed for sharing, so we went with a few dishes to try a bit of everything.

Let's start with the bread... Oh Yes! The flat bread with fromage blanc was the perfect start. And then the smaller plates shined - The oysters were small as I like them and super fresh, exactly how they should be. The tuna and eel bits were just as delicious.  For mains we went with the grilled sirloin, fries (done right), and the baked pipe rigate in vodka sauce that they are well know for.  The baked rigatoni in vodka sauce was delicious—rich, creamy, and comforting—but it wasn’t the rustic, old-school Italian style you might expect. Instead, it felt like a more modern, refined take on a baked pasta dish, with a smoother sauce, a slightly more polished presentation, and a lighter overall balance while still keeping that indulgent, satisfying feel.  All in all, it was a delicious, well-rounded meal that I really enjoyed from start to finish.

What stood out most was how everything felt thoughtful but not fussy. It’s fine dining energy without the stiffness, which is probably why it’s so popular in Melbourne’s food scene.

The kind of place where you end up staying longer than planned just because the atmosphere makes it easy. A few plates, a good bottle of wine, and suddenly the whole afternoon is gone.

If you’re going to Marion, my advice is to come hungry, share a few plates, order a good bottle of wine, and enjoy.  Oh and definitely don't skip the bread!