If you enjoy fresh, uncomplicated seafood you are going to love Renan Goksin’s new food offering in Melbourne’s Hardware Lane – Claypots Barbarossa.
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Renan is best known for his simple approach to seafood with European flavours at his St Kilda and South Melbourne venues, Claypots and Claypots Evening Star. Claypots Barbarossa is no different and takes the same approach to European style hospitality – warm, welcoming and abundant.
The city venue is a great place to grab a quick affordable lunch with the menu changing daily to reflect what’s good at the market on that day. If you are in a rush you can grab a selection from the counter with options like, seafood paella ($12), ready to go. I particularity enjoyed the ‘light bites’ simple tapas style plates that are the perfect accompaniment to a beer or glass of wine.
It’s a perfect venue for after-work drink and is one of the only places I know in Melbourne offering traditional European style “aperitivo hour”. From 5.30 to 6.30pm during the week a buffet of tapas-style snacks are offered complimentary to accompany drinks.
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Must try dishes and my personal favourites include the Lobster roll ($17), Beetroot & vodka cured trout with Russian salad on toast ($10), Octopus shashlik ($9), and the biggest king prawns I’ve ever seen, grilled with chilli ($9).
With some classic jazz playing, it’s relaxed unpretentious vibe and great value seafood meals, it will certainly become a Hardware Lane institution in the years to come.
