Campari House

Review

Skip the wannabe trendy crowds hanging outside on chairs at the Lonsdale Street entrance of Hardware Lane and make your way all the way to the other end. There you’ll find a slightly shabby (but in a good way) Italian restaurant with huge big open front windows, good seating outside, a wooden floor with no barriers, a completely flat entry and large fully accessible toilet. And a huge variety of alcohol. Yayness all round! Once you’re inside the restaurant, there’s a couple of tables by the windows and two group tables in the middle of the space. The whole restaurant, including the toilet, was kept very clean. Everybody else in the world goes up to the rooftop bar (which is not accessible) but given there’s not a great view from there anyway, who cares. I had a great seat by the floor to ceiling open window with my friend. We felt like we were outside but still protected from the sun and human-eating Australian fauna. The view across the restaurant is not picturesque (it consists of a parking lot and a closed restaurant) butI. I was there to drink wine, eat Italian food and look at my friend (who is far more attractive). The menu is small with about 10 starters, four mains plus pizzas and sides. You can always be sure a restaurant has good food if it has a small menu. This means everything is made fresh. I chose the hand cut chips (because of course) as a side dish and had the meatballs with a thick spaghetti and delicious sauce. It was the perfect size and, felt like a family recipe. My friend had the seafood fettuccine. She said it was the best version she’s ever had and, believe me, we’ve tried nearly every one in Melbourne. The staff were quiet, thoughtful (they moved the chair from the without me having to ask) and friendly. There wasn’t music playing in the restaurant and I was pleased about that as it really added to the calm atmosphere. This would be a great function or social gathering venue, for a number of people using wheelchairs, due to the moving space and the two big tables. Tip: The barman did say they occasionally put spare chairs in the accessible toilet. As I said, it’s not a big restaurant and they have to have extra chairs for the group tables. However, the staff are apologetic and will move anything. What I do first thing (at any restaurant) is ask staff to make sure there’s nothing impeding access to and in the toilet. This means that when you actually need to go to the toilet, you don’t create a scene due to things being moved. Tip: I always carry a small packet of wet wipes as I usually fine I can’t reach the toilet roll holder. I also find it difficult to tear off the paper.

Review

On our second visit bathroom door not working mentioned it to waiter who will contact management. Maybe check before you visit.. There is a MacDonalds around the corner worth accessible toilet if needed The food at Campari is worth a visit