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CBD & Inner › South Melbourne › Lamaro's Hotel
Lamaro's HotelAWorth Trying
273-279 Cecil St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia
· Gastropub, Bar, Function room facility
· 4.6/5 Google (954 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Upscale South Melbourne gastropub delivering excellent steaks, creative mains, and polished service in a handsome heritage pub, though pricing is high and occasional service inconsistencies arise.
Why it gets an A for overall quality
Lamaro's delivers A-grade performance through exceptional food quality—particularly standout steaks and veal schnitzel—paired with warm, professional service and strong wine and menu knowledge. The charming heritage setting with fireplace and Birdcage marquee enhances the experience. However, occasional consistency lapses and isolated food safety concerns prevent grade A territory, positioning it as a solid neighborhood destination for premium pub dining rather than a regional standout.
Restaurant Summary
Set in a handsome heritage pub, Lamaro's feels warm and buzzing rather than stiff. Guests praise polished, personable staff and a room that balances fireplace coziness with lively energy. One diner summed it up: "best steak I have eaten" with sauces that hit the mark. The cooking blends premium pub comfort with creative, produce-driven twists—think red-gum grilled steaks alongside scallops with pork belly, miso-glazed fish, and a red duck curry. It suits diners who enjoy modern gastropub flair and a serious wine list; prices reflect the premium ingredients and careful execution. Families are well catered for with a dedicated kids menu (cheeseburger, pasta, fish and chips, schnitzel). Plenty of familiar sides and straightforward mains mean even cautious eaters find something, while adventurous options remain for grown-ups.
At a Glance
- Excellent wood-fired steaks and standout veal schnitzel
- Charming heritage space with fireplace and Birdcage marquee
- Strong service knowledge, especially with wine and steaks
- Premium pricing above standard pubs
- Occasional service hiccups and portion complaints on seafood pasta
What Sets It Apart
- red-gum woodfire grill
- heritage pub setting
- dedicated kids menu
- versatile function spaces
What People Love
- Emotion of a cozy heritage dining room
- Red-gum sear on steaks and generous schnitzel
- Attentive, knowledgeable servers
- Menu that mixes comfort and creative touches
Points of Concern
- Pricing is high for a pub context and sides add up
- Occasional inconsistency: undercooked poultry, salty risotto, and small scallops cited by a few
- Service can feel rushed during peak periods; slow mains reported on busy nights
- Isolated cleanliness lapses mentioned; management should tighten checks
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostA$70-105 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair steaks with Rocket salad (A$16) or Brussels sprouts (A$18) for balance
- Kids can choose A$22 mains plus simple desserts (A$8) for easier budgeting
- Seafood lovers might favor Miso King Salmon (A$48) over linguine for protein value
Perfect For
- Celebrating a birthday or milestone
- A polished date night with serious steaks
- Business lunches with a deep wine list
- Family dinners where kids can order classics
Location Insights
Area: Leafy inner-south neighborhood near markets and offices; draws locals and destination diners for polished pub dining.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets with steady evening foot traffic around the market precinct.
Nearby: Close to South Melbourne Market, Clarendon St retail, offices, and residential terraces; multiple pubs and cafes nearby.
South MelbourneSouth Melbourne has a diverse dining environment ranging from casual pubs and cafes to upscale restaurants. The area is popular for its relaxed yet trendy atmosphere, attracting locals and visitors who enjoy a mix of traditional and contemporary culinary experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–00:00
Tuesday12:00–00:00
Wednesday12:00–00:00
Thursday12:00–00:00
Friday12:00–00:00
Saturday12:00–00:00
Sunday12:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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