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Pescatores reopens to rave reviews

Its beautiful new interior is perfect for the growing sophistication of Victoria.

Pescatores’ renovation is complete and thank goodness.

Its beautiful new interior is perfect for the growing sophistication of Victoria.

There are options to be had here with three restaurants in one but my interest was in the cocktails that can be ordered in any of the rooms. In the past I wouldn’t consider Pescatores’ as cocktail centric but there seems to be a new emphasis on considered drinks and a playful style.

Classic cocktails have updated names with a nod to our locale. The Malahatten steps in for the classic Manhattan, the Old Way for an Old Fashioned and the Sunset Mule is a local take on the Moscow Mule featuring Fever Tree Ginger Beer, though I must confess a preference for Q Ginger this one does hold its own.

If you’re looking for other riffs then check out the Evil Twin, a negroni twist utilizing trendy Aperol to good effect and the Southern Hemisphere, a sour with Pisco and Cointreau that is light, refreshing and perfect for the street patio here.

To nosh, there are no better fresh oysters in town and there were seven varieties the day we were in. I would have liked to try an unavailable Brandade (how can they be out, they just opened!), a classic Portuguese dip of salt cod and olive oil, but settled for a lightly curried calamari over the flatbread or prawns. Mike Murphy has created another great spot for locals and tourists.