Arcadia Gastronomique
12/20
Spanish$$
The atmospherics at this cosy, low-lit local are bang-on for wistful recollections of past European jaunts. Thankfully, the food is equally transporting, delivering punchy Iberian flavours and rustic generosity. The mainly Spanish menu encourages sharing, with a range of tapas and raciones. Standouts include excellent plump quail, perfectly browned, with a deeply savoury chocolate sauce and topped with crisp strips of jamon. Pork belly is a cracker, with an aromatic thyme, orange and white-wine glaze and semi-firm cubes of apple confit balancing the sweet, fatty meat. Garlic prawns, too, are exemplary, though some dishes, such as a sizzling scallops with chorizo, can suffer from salt overload. There's paella, of course, as well as a few straight-Euro mains, such as steak and roast lamb. Service can be vague and wonderful in equal measure, but Arcadia's great value, warm ambience and outstanding sangria will swiftly take the edge off any gripes.
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Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/goodfood/melbourne-eating-out/arcadia-gastronomique-20130827-32bv7.html