North Fitzroy Arms Hotel — Restaurant in Melbourne

First pub meal back post-lockdown. One of the few places it was easy enough to walk in without a reservation, so that was good enough for my friend and I. Unfortunately, from the moment we stepped in the door, we felt like we were being pushed out by the Scottish bartender/waiter. To be fair, this guy has apparently only been there for a week, so he may not be the best representative for the pub. But the owners should do themselves a favour and get rid of him asap. I actually worked with this guy about 7 years ago at another restaurant/bar. Back then, he didn't last a month, and every shift with him was jarring and difficult. Anyway, he clearly didn't recognise me now, though I don't think he's terribly switched on, so that's no surprise. He couldn't even remember where we were seated (even tried to charge me for the wrong table's bill, and there were only 3-4 parties still there at 9pm).

I won't go through every awkward and uncomfortable experience (there were heaps of them), but the last one was a doozy. We wanted to finish our evening with a couple whiskies. The selection wasn't great, as they were apparently waiting for stock. No big deal. I was considering the Wild Turkey bourbon, but there didn't look like enough left in the bottle for 2 drinks. He insisted there was enough, so I said let's see. He pulled out two glasses and a measuring jigger, and proceeded to pour 20ish ml onto each glass, and pushed them in front of me. I said "Mate, we both saw that was well underpoured." He then made things really uncomfortable, made it that I was the one being stingy and ungrateful. I told him I was happy enough to pay for a different whiskey that they had enough of, but he spoke over me saying "I don't even know if you're serious, but fine, you can just pay for one." Believe me, this was not done in any kind of generosity. Like with every interaction we had with him that night, he made no effort to hide that he just wanted to get it over with. Holy hell, this guys attitude is just so grating. Even when we were leaving and I tried to say thanks and good night, he totally ignored me.

The parmas we ordered were decent enough quality and size at 23 dollars. However I won't be going back so long as this jerk is behind the bar. It's too bad, but as a local, there are plenty of other options in the area for a better experience. Try the Tramway, the Pinnacle, or...

Step into a world of romance at the enchanting North Fitzroy Arms—a hidden treasure in Melbourne's bustling scene. The allure begins with the romantic red tables adorning the entrance, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

Let's talk about the staff, the heart and soul of this charming establishment. With their magnetic charm and attentive service, they transform every visit into a memorable rendezvous, especially on cozy evenings.

And oh, the food—each bite a symphony of flavors, igniting the senses and leaving you craving more. The ambiance, bathed in warm, seductive lighting, casts a spell of intimacy, perfect for stealing glances and sharing whispered secrets.

But it's the meticulous details that truly elevate the experience. From the chic cutlery bags to the curated décor, every element exudes an air of sophistication and warmth, a testament to the teams unwavering dedication.

The front bar, adorned with nostalgic footy memorabilia, adds a touch of old-world charm without detracting from the intimate atmosphere.

In closing, I've found myself drawn here night after night since the opening, each visit leaving me with a sense of belonging and nostalgia. North Fitzroy Arms isn't just a pub—it's a haven where cherished memories are made and shared. Come, experience the warmth and embrace the timeless charm of North...

An old school pub with standard beers on tap, great for catching up with mates and/or to play a little bit of pool.

At the back is where things get really impressive. There is a dining room which gave off an unpretentious fancy feel with ridiculously incredible food (which is available in the whole premises).

I tried a whole array of dishes and they all knocked my socks off! Entrees I tried were: olives with candied lemon, roo salami with pickled beetroot and chicken liver parfait all delectable in their own way. Then when you think things couldn't get any better, the mains were out of this world. I had the tagliatelle - tasting this you knew it was hand rolled only meters away from your table. My mate said their beef cheek & ale pie was the best they've ever had. My other mate's BBQ chicken which I tried - was a flavour bomb of that charcoal smokey flavour combined with the sauce that came with the lettuce.

A typical Aussie pub with extraordinary food offerings is a gamechanger and will appeal to any folk that wants to have a beer alone or dine with in a group, this...