The foodie scene in Australia has been thriving the last few years. Along with Sydney, Melbourne has been at the very center of this tasty revolution. From unusual hipster concoctions to Asian fusion and Modern Australian, there is something delicious to be found for everyone’s taste. With the wealth of restaurants everywhere you turn, it can be difficult to decide where to get your next plate. If you happen to be craving Italian, we have narrowed the choice down to our five favorite eateries that never disappoint. Here where you should eat pasta in Melbourne.
Enjoy the rustic: Mr. Ottorino
If you’re looking for a restaurant with a strong homely atmosphere and dishes that might’ve been made by an Italian nonna, Mr. Ottorino should be your first stop. With reasonable prices and an impressive range of pasta dishes, this is the place to go when you’re in dire need of a hearty meal. Based mostly on Southern Italian cuisine, but with a modern touch here and there, Mr. Ottorino always has an impressive seasonal menu based on fresh ingredients. The ambiance is rustic and cozy, complementing the food to perfection. And it’s always a bonus when you come across top-notch hospitality.
Embrace the classics: Cecconi
Cecconi is, simply put, the staple of Melbourne’s Italian cuisine scene. It is an example against which you can measure the competition. A bit on the pricier side, it’s worth every dime. It is the epitome of the fine dining experience. The minimalist design complements the elegant menu to perfection. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the food will be boring. There’s a reason that Cecconi has been a major player for so long. Their pasta dish selection is not large, but each recipe has been lovingly crafted and tweaked for the most delicious results.
Eat al fresco: Olivigna
When you step foot at Olivigna, you’ll find it hard to believe you haven’t actually been transported to Italy. Without a doubt, this hidden gem is a true Italian restaurant in Melbourne. Everything about the gorgeous restaurant is authentic. The quality of the food is unparalleled. Unsurprising really, when you find out that almost everything is made in-house: the olive oil, the bread, the limoncello and prosecco. Apart from the stellar food, Olivigna’s big draw is the idyllic outdoor terrace, complete with an Italian-inspired view of cypresses, hedge and flowers. The terrace operates on first-come-first-served basis, so there’s no need to book.
Indulge yourself: Scopri
Scopri is pure indulgence for your taste buds. A little piece of Piedmont smack dab in the middle of Melbourne, it is dedicated to the mission of bringing authentic Italian flavors to its patrons. They ensure the premium quality of their dishes by using locally grown produce, straight from their own organic farm. The menu is based on seasonal ingredients, so that every plate reflects the best that is available at the moment. Their homemade pasta is complemented with flavorful sauces, and the dishes are enhanced by the delicious wines from their extensive wine list, which includes plenty from Piedmont and other Italian regions.
Eat on the go: Etto Pasta
Etto Pasta is the perfect pit stop when you are on the go. This eatery mostly operates on the basis of takeaway. If takeaway pasta in Melbourne had a middle name it would be Etto. You can choose among six types of pasta and decide on the sauce to combine it with. The food is simple but satisfying and affordable, the ideal choice for a quick lunch or dinner on a busy workday. The difference between Etto and other similar restaurants? Etto’s pasta is made fresh twice a day, and trust us, it makes all the difference.
Nothing hits the spot quite like pasta. When you’re craving comfort food, a big steaming bowl of your favorite pasta drenched in a delicious sauce is the only thing that can satisfy your taste buds. Now you know where you can find the best that Melbourne has to offer.
Author’s Bio:
Roxana is a Sydney based travel enthusiast with a passion for writing. She loves fashion and has an eye for anything visually appealing and aesthetical. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. You can find her articles on HighStyleLife.
