Folino's Quality Meats: A Local Butcher Shop Delight in Reservoir

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A Reservoir Institution: More Than Just Meat

Folino's Quality Meats isn't just a butcher shop; it’s a Reservoir institution, deeply rooted in the history of the area. The Folino family, tracing their origins back to Italy in the 1950s and 60s, established themselves in Melbourne’s outer northern suburbs, quickly becoming beloved by both Italian and Australian families. This commitment to quality and tradition has endured, making Folino's a cornerstone of the community. The consistently high quality of their meats sets them apart – a stark contrast to the often inconsistent offerings found in supermarket chains. Customers consistently praise the absence of unwanted bone chips and excessive gristle, a testament to the care and skill involved in their meat selection and preparation. It's a place where you can genuinely support local, knowing you're getting a superior product at a competitive price. The feeling of stepping into Folino’s often evokes a warm, familiar feeling, reminiscent of smaller, traditional shopping strips found in areas like Whittlesea or Lancefield. It’s a precious slice of old-school charm in a rapidly changing landscape.

Rave Reviews & Signature Flavours

The overwhelming sentiment among customers is one of passionate satisfaction. The review scores speak for themselves – a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars is a clear indicator of widespread approval. But it’s the specific mentions that truly highlight what makes Folino’s special. Here’s a breakdown of frequently praised items and service highlights:

• Sausage Sensations: The sausages are a major drawcard for many patrons. The hot pork continental, chorizo, and Portuguese snags consistently receive glowing reviews. And the recent addition of the Jalapeño snag has quickly become a firm favourite, described as "hands down one of the best snags I’ve eaten in recent years." The traditional Italian sausages, with their generous fennel load and subtle chilli spice, are also a long-standing classic.
• Steak Supreme: Porterhouse steaks are readily available and uphold the butcher's high standard of quality, providing excellent value for the money.
• Roasting & BBQ Magic: Customers have raved about the quality of the lamb, especially when prepared on a spit. The BBQ packs have proven to be a huge hit, with entire families and friends wanting the address after tasting them!
• Exceptional Service: Beyond the quality of the meat, the friendly and helpful staff consistently receive praise. They are more than willing to customise cuts, tenderise meat as requested, and offer expert cooking advice.
• Convenience & Accessibility: Conveniently located on Edwardes Street in Reservoir, Folino's offers both in-store pickup and delivery within a 5km radius, even for small orders. Accepting credit and debit cards, as well as NFC mobile payments, makes transactions a breeze.

"It's worth supporting local businesses if they're good - and this butcher is the best!" - A devoted customer

The Few Hiccups & Areas for Improvement

While the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, it's only fair to acknowledge any shortcomings. One recurring comment concerns the rissoles. While customers appreciate the flavour, they find them "a bit too compacted" and "hard." This suggests a possible adjustment to the recipe or preparation method could be beneficial. There was one particularly disappointing experience reported where a customer purchased ten beef schnitzels which were described as “disgusting, all crumbing fell off in oil. They were mushy and horrible.” This is a significant negative experience that indicates potential inconsistency or a lapse in quality control, especially disheartening given the shop's usual high standards. Addressing this issue is crucial to maintaining the butcher's strong reputation. Remembering that feedback is a valuable tool for growth, and that openness to suggestions will only result in future refinements to the business and building better client relations.

Essential Details to Know

Here’s a handy guide to planning your visit to Folino's Quality Meats:

Important Note: While Folino’s caters to gluten-free customers, it's always best to confirm specific product availability and ingredients directly with the shop to ensure they meet your dietary needs.