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Italian

14/20

All the combos at this Italian-inspired panino shop are ‘killers with delicious fillers’

More than 50 sandwich options have been created for tiny regional paninoteca and wine bar Arno Deli.

  • Callan Boys
Bar Di Stasio and Cafe Di Stasio were both groundbreaking for Melbourne.

One of Melbourne’s pioneering Italian restaurants is up for sale

The restaurant that set the standard for Italian finesse in Melbourne, Cafe Di Stasio, is being sold by its founders after nearly 40 years.

  • Ardyn Bernoth
Roberto's Pizzeria in Robertson.

Roberto’s Pizzeria

Chewy, charred, Naples-style pizza in Robertson.

  • Callan Boys
Florentino's storied dining room.
Good Food hatGood Food hat16/20

Melbourne’s iconic Florentino enters a new era, but it has never been of this era

The Italian fine diner is a piece of living history. Its new stewards are leaning into its Old World spirit, but can they meet the expectations of modern diners?

  • Besha Rodell
Chilli prawn pizza.

Bring the gang: This pizza spot opposite the sea is a big, friendly party

It’s beach, pizza, spritz, repeat at this easy-breezy eatery that makes a perfect full stop to a day on the Mornington Peninsula.

  • Emma Breheny
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Origini

A charming bolthole for home-style Italian classics.

Wood-fired pizza at Trulli.

Trulli

Equal parts hangout, gelateria and bottle shop.

  • Roslyn Grundy
The bruschetta of the day changes with the seasons, with the charred bread perhaps topped with ricotta mousse, tomato, shaved zucchini and prosciutto.
14/20

Lunchtime BYO, ‘glorious’ bruschetta: Count yourself lucky if this Italian is your local

The 30-seater from two ex-Caffe e Cucina stalwarts is slicker than your average middle-suburban restaurant, reviews Dani Valent.

  • Dani Valent
Chickpea pancake with fried eggs and herb salad.

Chillis Deli

A sister venue to Chillis Cottage serving pasta, spritzes and gelato.

  • David Matthews
The Wooden Spoon.

First look: Sooshi Mango’s late-night panini bar ‘had to be’ on Lygon Street

Three doors down from the comedy trio’s restaurant, their follow-up, Sangaweech, has Big Nonna Energy. Expect orange Laminex, sandwiches with cheeky names, and tiramisu.

  • Tomas Telegramma