The Roving Marrow - Carlton

What was formerly an old watering hole has been done up a bit, and re-purposed with a focus on good casual dining. The front bar area was deserted, and there were only a couple tables occupied in the meals area. We chose a selection of dishes from the small menu, which offers 5 or so choices in the small plate, mains and dessert areas. Despite there only being a single chef on duty, the food was well prepared and tasty, if a little light on in quantity. We enjoyed a couple local beers, and the wine list contains some interesting offerings from more obscure producers. Service was good throughout.

What a lovely night we had. The hotel has certainly had a a make over. Retro style seating was comfortable ? Got the padded bench seat) . Service was attentive and friendly. A good wine list with wine from interstate and many regions. We had a mixture of medium dishes which were all vegetarian ( they are happy to modify meals to make vegetarian) the cauliflower dish was just beautiful. I ordered the beef (steak) which was a large meal on the menu. It was cooked perfectly.Try the rice pudding to finish your meal!All in all this is a eatery that we will definitely come back to.Only one negative, it was cold so heating could be cranked up.

We didnt eat here but did stop in for a few drinks before dinner elsewhere. The decor is modern and the service was good. Have a drink here if nothing else.

Had dinner here tonight. Started with a Celeriac dish which although steep at $20 was very interesting and earthy and tasty...if they popped a truffle shaving or oil on top it could have been sensational.Pork was delicious, crackle spot on. The highlight was the lamb neck which was perfectly tender and an amazing flavour combo with pickled and roasted green capsicum, and ricotta...mmmm. Dessert : parfait just ok...however, rhubarb custard and burnt vanilla meringue, yum, just needed to poach the rhubarb longer...very delicious flavour mix. Service excellent. 2 of us and 2 drinks each $150...would go back, a well rounded meal for the price.

We've lived in the area for 16 years and heard that the old pub on the corner of Lygon and Elgin was really good. Decided to give it a go. Easy booking online. Went a bit earlier than the booking to have a cocktail or two. Limited choice on the cocktails. Partner had a Laluna Daiquiri, and was i'd just had a G&T at home, and make heaps of Negroni's at home, those choices were not going to happen, so went for a version of espresso martini. Neither were great. Went for the **** Mary for second cocktail and that was great. Moved into dining area. Plates to share work well. Started with the Cauliflower which was fantastic. Then came the pork belly, also amazing. 2 for 2 so for. Then the duck, was good, but not for me. Partner loved it. Then the ribs without the rib. Also very good. Ended with the peanut parfait. Perfect. Great service and great food. About $220 with four cocktails, three glasses of wine, four dishes and one desert. Very comfortable and relaxed.