Stylish Fitzroy spot for creative small plates, excellent cocktails, and warm service; great for dates and drinks, but portions run small and waits can occur when busy.
Amarillo delivers solid neighborhood dining with creative Mediterranean small plates and stylish, warm ambiance that make it competitive with the area's better cocktail-focused restaurants. However, inconsistent pacing and execution during peak service, combined with modest portions for the price point, prevent it from reaching higher territory. Best experienced during quieter hours or happy hour when the kitchen's strengths shine without service friction.
Amarillo feels warm and low-lit, with vinyl spinning and a polished bar crowd that leans date-night. Service is often friendly and attentive, and the room has that effortless Fitzroy cool. One diner shared, "The team walked us through their favorites and topped up water without asking." The kitchen leans modern Mediterranean with vegetable-led plates: charred romanesco over tahini puree, silky kingfish crudo, and a cult-favorite roasted cauliflower. Cocktails and a short, smart wine list round it out. If you love elegant small plates and strong drinks, this is ideal for a relaxed evening—just know portions skew modest and pacing can slow when the room is humming. For families, there is no kids menu, but options like fries, burrata salads, and pan-fried gnocchi suit many younger palates. Adventurous kids may enjoy oysters or crudo, though spice and acidity pop up. Realistically, it is better for older kids or teens than picky eaters.
Area vibe: Creative, nightlife-heavy inner-north strip with bars, boutiques, and galleries attracting diners and date nights.
Safety: Generally safe, busy foot traffic on weekends; standard urban awareness late at night.
What's nearby: On Brunswick Street near many bars and cafes; strong pre- and post-dinner drink options and walkable streets.