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    • Chef: Matt McConnell
    • As executive chef and co-owner of Bar Lourinhä, Matt McConnell has brought innovative bar dining to Melbourne. After an extended journey through Europe, Matt McConnell returned home to Melbourne in 2007 to open the popular Bar Lourinhä.
    • Having manned the stoves at some of Australia’s top restaurants, Matt’s energy and inspiration is now firmly set on serious flavours in a fun and casual setting that best exemplifies the Iberian passion and spirit for eating and drinking.


    • Awards
    • Age Good Food Guide 2008
      Awarded Owner Sommelier Simon Benjamin
      'Best Short Wine List 2008' Bar Lourinhä

The Age - Epicure Gourmet Traveller

    • Gourmet Traveller
    • Bar Lourinhã has been voted as one of the world's best bars by Gourmet Traveller Australia
    • www.gourmettraveller.com.au
    • BAR LOURINHĀ

      Sydney has the brothers Doyle (Peter and Greg); Melbourne's got the ubiquitous McConnells – Andrew (see elsewhere on this list) and Matt, the guy in the kitchen at the perennially perfect Bar Lourinhã. The pair feed and water more of the City's switched-on foodies than any other local dynasty and, in Matt's case, it's all about transcribing his considerable cooking skills into the language of his love, Mediterranean peasant food.

      Why? Because the place pulsates, like the City bar it is, more than three years after opening and the food and wine just keeps getting better. Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal play muse to McConnell's rustic-with-panache bar food, while a small but evolving wine selection reflects partner Simon Benjamin's clever, curious palate.

      'The Australian', editor 'John Lethlean', 2009.

      The dish: Yellowtail kingfish "pancetta".
      The cost: Typical dish around $15.
      Where: 37 Little Collins Street, Melbourne (03) 9663 7890.