I always get the 2 courses for $29.50. The food is very good. The sticky date pudding is fantastic (The best I have ever had).

Approximate cost: $30

This place does very nice (mostly italian) food. They are a bit more expensive than the average restaurant, but the food allows for that.
The staff are fairly average

Approximate cost: $30

An average Italian eatery. Nice atmosphere, especially sitting along Hardware lane on a beautiful evening.

Approximate cost: $20

Offering a great value option of 2 courses for $29.50 makes this restaurant very popular. We did not have to wait very long and we were sitting down at an outdoor table. The ambiance of the street was fantastic. The service was really good if not too good, as we were constantly waited on to the point were we had to get up and leave. (that feeling like you are being rushed to sit down the next lot of people). I found the calamari extremely tough, the lamb shanks were dry but tasty. Mussels were delish!

Situated in the heart of Melbourne, and the legal district in particular, Hardware Lane offers a trip back in time, and more importantly to the laneways of Europe. It is a hidden gem. Violetta is one of many Italian restaurants on this lane, and offers a delightful menu with plenty of choice, not just encompassing the traditional Italian fare. With Kangaroo and steak on the menu. The service was rather disapointing, with a wait of over an hour for our meals to arrive. The chicken and mushroom risotto was a tad bland. The setting was beautiful, with an outside area candle lit and upstairs is cosy and comfortable.

Approximate cost: $18