The best of both worlds

NESTLED among the Elm trees in Lilydale’s historic precinct, Narli’s on Castella, is one of the region’s most dynamic and contemporary dining venues.
Comprising a spacious modern restaurant and large open bar, Narli’s on Castella is now into its second year of operation, realising the vision of owner and head chef Nancy Princi.
Before opening Narli’s, Nancy worked as a freelance chef at restaurants in some of Melbourne’s busiest food scenes, including Lygon Street and St Kilda.
Narli’s fulfils Nancy’s vision for the type of restaurant she wanted to complement her passion and flair for food and has become popular for its eclectic menus, combining homemade traditional dishes, gourmet local cuisine and southernstyle home cooking.
The new spring menu adds another dimension introducing two styles of dining fine dining with dishes built around duck, quail and kangaroo, and the family bistro with traditional favourites such as steaks, parmigianas and pastas.
“We are very fortunate to have the room here to provide both types of dining experience,” Nancy said.
“If people want to fine dine, or to come in and relax with something less formal, we have something for everyone.”
Narli’s wine bar has a strong local following and has recently been extended to include 26 Yarra Valley wines as well as regional wines and a small number of imported varieties.
The restaurant caters for all types of functions and has a dance floor with disco ball, and a stage for bands.
A ‘not to be missed’ special event is the Degustation Dinner on Friday, 30 September. Nancy has matched nine delicious courses with nine great Seville Hill Winery wines to create a memorable banquet for just $40.
If you’re new to wine, the Degustation Dinner is a fabulous introduction to the virtues of the vine.
Live entertainment is back on Friday and Saturday nights with performances by local bands and acoustic musicians including jazz group, Chris Dal Trio, and the popular rock band, Trunk Monkey.
Narli’s is suitable for large and small Christmas functions with a set twocourse luncheon from $16.50, finger food parties from $15, twocourse dinner menus from $22.50 and a buffet from $25, catering for everyone from families to corporate groups.
Narli’s on Castella Bar and Restaurant, located at 2022 Castella Street, Lilydale, is fully licensed and open for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday (other times by arrangement). For bookings phone 9735 9554.