Merchant

Join the city trader set for a glass or three at this glossy wine bar at the business end of Collins Street, where celeb chef Guy Grossi pays homage to all things Venetian. Service can be smoother if you're wearing Ferragamo, but the 150 options on the all-northern Italian wine list make up for any lapses. A sprawling menu features well-executed saffron arancini and polenta with duck ragu, and there are excellent wines by the glass, carafe or bottle. In fine weather, you can sit outdoors with a Bellini. It's an upscale riff on the Vegas Venice theme, with watery murals and a life-size gondola docked at the entrance.