Have you heard the rumours about the hot redhead on the rooftop? Rufio, inspired by the word Rufus, is a Latin themed bar and restaurant on Carlisle Street that’s turning the town red.
The Rooftop Escape
A long staircase leads to heaven. In Rufio’s case, to a gorgeous indoor eatery with polished tables and an inviting bar where mixologists shake and stir with love.
But the rooftop is where it shines . As you step outside, it’s like you’re transported out of Melbourne. An retractable roof means you can revel in the glorious sunshine in summer but when the chill sets in, rug up cozily and feel the warmth of heaters glow. Music, banter, and shrieks of laughter in different languages with accents from around the globe make it hard to leave. Carlisle Street may have its colourful characters, but Rufio’s rooftop captures the multicultural spirit of the city and welcomes everyone in.
With fire in its name, a spicy margarita feels obligatory. Served in a martini glass with a salt and chilli rim, and hot pepper garnish, each sip is strong and warming yet dangerously smooth.
Gluten Free Latin Delights
Before you even glance at the menu, you feel your eyes wandering. Glancing almost rudely at waitstaff bring out dishes to each table. And for a fun fact, the entire menu is gluten free. So, intentional or not, you get light food without a sacrifice on flavour.
Start with a ceviche, kingfish, is eloquently diced , with long crunchy strips of plantation leaf. If, like me, you need a glossary – these look reminiscent of a banana, dried and shaved into a cracker). Salty, tart, and perfect to mop up the tiger leaf milk ( glossary required again – coconut cream with a juicy citrus)
A mountain of lobster lands on a crisp tostata. Chunks of crustacean oozing with mayo tangy, lime, and coriander are piled on a crunchy crisp. You get a tinge of chilli that tickles without burning your socks off. Met with a glass of rich oily Albarino, it becomes an international party in your mouth.
Steaks and Sunshine on a Plate
As for mains, Thursday is steak night and perfectly cooked scotch fillet with a plush pink centre makes its rounds across the room. Otherwise, the chargrilled swordfish is pure sunshine. Sunnies may be required for the fluorescent yellow sweetcorn purée, snowy white fish and glistening red peperonata. Smoky aromas make this pescatarian have almost a meaty smell with robust powerful flavours.
There is something undeniably special about redheads. After one taste, it is hard not to return.
The Verdict
What We’re Addicted to: The rooftop energy, Latin flavours and weekly specials that keep locals coming back.
What We Need to be more Addicted: A glossary might help. I am still not entirely sure what tiger’s milk actually is.
Rufio – 188 Carlisle Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
Wed – Fri 5pm – Late, Sat – Sun 12pm – Late.