Mini is in the shadow of Federation Square. And also very much in the shadow of Yu, the brilliant and authentic Japanese noodle restaurant it shares a lane way with. That’s pretty stiff competition in anyone’s book. For those that came in late, Yu is a real revelation in Japanese and style. But let’s forget that upstart.

Let’s not forget though that in walking distance is Chocolate Buddha, Movidas, Circa and god only knows what other iconic restaurants. Mini blurs the line between after 5 CBD bar and classy restaurant. There’s both a bar menu and an a la carte menu. An extensive wine list which highlights organic wine. My choice was a lovely Greek Cab Sauvignon. The missus had a beatiful French Chardonnay.

For entree we had a lentil soup with sheep’s fetta and some scallops in butter and coriander. Both equally tasty and worthwhile. Both very Greek inspired dishes beyond the standard souvlaki and backlava, with modern touches.

The meals themselves were heartier than expected but a bit overpriced. I had a hardly extravagent (or remarkable) Greek fetuccini in a tomato and cheese sauce. A great vegetarian meal, but a stretch at $23 odd. $35 was about the average price for a meat dish.

Gorgeous homemade turkish bread and oil is served and it was almost better than the meal! And although they charged for bread, it kept coming! The staff don’t mind talking about their treasured wine and are extremely knowledgable.

While it’s pretty good, this is more a Friday come 5 bar than a top brass restaurant. And while it deserves its 15 minutes in the limelight, except for the wine list it won’t remain remarkable.

3.75 out of 5 stars. Just not special enough!