The oddly named 'Strangers' Corridor' (as in 'non-Members of Parliament) is open on weekdays only for lunch for the general public on days when the Victorian Parliament is not sitting (which is a majority of weeks in the year.) It is next to the collegiate-style dining room which is for Members of Parliament only, and adjacent to the beautiful Parliamentary Library which features gold leaf and wonderful Victorian-era (as in Queen Victoria) detailing. Telephone pre-bookings are essential for the Strangers' Corridor. You will need to undergo a security check and then sign in to the building and receive a visitors' pass, which for some may be a little bit much. The atmosphere is old-world: heavy chairs and well supported tables, but there is usually starched linen on the tables. With windows only at one end of the long, relatively narrow room, artificial lighting is needed but could do with some upgrading. Main courses such as duck are pleasant with pricing being at the mid to almost upper range for Melbourne: about A$30 for a main. Apparently, sometimes during non-sitting weeks the dining room can be quiet, but you still never know into whom you will bump. Service is fine and friendly, but not overly fast. This is not a criticism, because the dishes arrive in good time.