It began with the golden blend of flour and water, and it only got better from there.
Perfected over the years by the manual labour and worshipped passions of the world’s best Nonnos and Nonnas, the Italian cuisine has for many of us become one of the most comforting and reliable food choices to date. Whether you’re dining out, devouring it for breaky after a big night or just looking for something to replace the sentiments of a soft and tender hug, it’s the food that never fails us, and the food that never will.
Whether it’s a chilly Winter’s evening or too blazing hot to cook (Melbournians, you feel me), nothing goes down quite well as the simplicity of a pizza or that glorious plate of pasta you’ve been craving for weeks. So why not head out, sit back and watch the waiter bring you that treasured scent of parmesan cheese or that gourmet prosciutto-topped pizza, and let the authentic taste of Nonna’s home-made sauce guide you into a culinary bliss. Craving it yet?
Here are some restaurants that have perfected the blend of traditional Italian ingredients to bring us the cuisine we can’t go without.
Son of a Pizzaiolo
875 High St, Thornbury
Set beside a modern-day High Street, SOP builds on the foundations of its fathers and their carefully perfected recipes to bring you the scents and tastes that you’d typically encounter at Nonna’s house. On any night of the week, SOP will hit the spot.
[More Info + Gallery] | [Contact Venue]
Il Birrificio
1385 Toorak Rd, Camberwell
Fresh, proud and committed to its artisan-style, this local gem flavours Toorak Road like the ancestors would – with a wood-fire oven and a whole lotta love. And with a great selection of Italian craft beer available, your food will never be without a quenching friend.
[More Info + Gallery] | [Contact Venue]
Kaprica
19 Lincoln Square S, Carlton
Tucked away in the backstreets of Carlton, Kaprica is a sweet (and savoury) escape from the hustle and bustle of Lygon Street. With a curious and quaint look, Kaprica presents itself as a rustically charming secret that offers up a special blend of love and labour in every dish. There’s also an open kitchen – so feast your eyes on that feast heading to your table!
[More Info + Gallery] | [Contact Venue]
Assaggi Italiani
99 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern
Open the door to this little gem and the aroma of fourth generation pizza-making hits you instantly. In an old-fashioned dining room setting, you might just forget you’re on Glenferrie Rd, and instead sitting in a classic little Italian village getting lost in the trance of the fire that’s cooking your pizza to absolute perfection.
[More Info + Gallery] | [Contact Venue]
Woodfire Pizzeria e Cucina
199 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe
Spreading the love to Ivanhoe since 1999, this buzzing gem hand-stretches its dough, uses premium locally sourced ingredients and builds on an age-old Neapolitan recipe to create an artisan-style wood-fired pizza that is sure to satisfy all your culinary needs. With a great selection of pastas, salads and irresistible desserts, there’s something for everyone – so you can’t go wrong!
[More Info + Gallery] | [Contact Venue]
So whether it’s a simple margherita, a dreamy carbonara, or even a glorious tiramisu that tickles your fancy, these restaurants are sure to welcome you graciously to La Vita Bella… now that’s amore!
By Vanessa De Lutiis
