Neapoli

The brainchild of Con Christopoulos and business partner Josh Birsbane, Neapoli is the newest addition to the chain of Christopoulos establishments, which includes The European and The Supper Club. Neapoli exudes a masculine charm with a sweeping glass frontage, a seductively curved solid oak bar and prominent art deco-inspired balustrade.

The sizeable menu has Greek undertones and is equally decadent, comfortable and healthy. It’s an international smorgasbord of ‘mood food’ that offers a flexibility suited to all-hours dining whilst also providing an effective accompaniment to the wine and beverage options.

Upon being seated upstairs at the communal ‘boardroom’  table, my dining comrade and I were quickly whisked into the expansive wine list. After speaking with the knowledgable staff member looking after us, a few wines were suggested and finally it was decided upon that a bottle of Huet Clos De Borg Sec Vouvray Chenin Blanc 2010 ($79) was exactly what was needed. A flavorsome drop, with a citrus kick which culminated with a palate cleansing warm afterglow.

Sharing is the name of the game at Neapoli and with the varied menu it is simple to order a selection of dishes that will entice. We began with a Vegetarian Antipasto platter ($22) which embraced the rustic flavors of boiled beetroot bulbs, oven roasted Brussels sprouts along with succulent fetta and buffalo mozzarella. The platter was served with a generous amount of oven seared bread, offering a distinct ashen taste to compliment the vegetables and cheeses.

A plate of the traditional Spanakopita ($9) was also ordered and it did not disappoint. Fresh crumbly pastry encased the spinach and feta filling effectively. A serve of Vegetable Fritters ($8) and Olive Oil Chips ($9) closed out the ordering, with each addition arriving in make shift paper bag receptacles adorned on traditional serving boards. The fritters, whist slightly batter heavy, packed a juicy crunch, and the olive oil chips were a salty reminder that the humble chip really is the perfect partner in crime to any alcoholic beverage.

The menu also boasts a beef mezze plate, soft shell crab and calamari dishes amongst other offering.  A small retail cellar which patrons can dip into for a $20 mark-up per bottle also operates. An innovative menu, opulent wine list and a sleek design clearly peg Neapoli as Melbourne eclecticism personified.

NEOPOLI
30 Russell Place, City
Mon -Thurs 7.30am-11pm, Fri 7.30am-1am
Sat 8am-1am; Sun 8am-11pm
facebook.com/NeapoliWineBar