This place was jumping on a Saturday night, the host was kind and put us on the waitlist and we…read morecame back to our table in like 25 minutes, our server made excellent recommendations as well, strawberry cocktail if you like sweet and pasta. The food was superb, some of the best pasta I have had seriously! The restaurant sits in an alley and we had a quaint table outside, walking and car traffic, if you're in Melbourne say yes to this place for outstanding food and service!

The Vegan options here are amazing! I had a pizza and pasta and the change in ingredients did not…read morelack flavor at all.

THIS is the definition of a hidden gem. Oh my God, we had such a fantastic dining experience here…read more It was my sister's birthday, and she is a complete foodie, and has been everywhere yet wanted Italian. Grossi, Cecconi's etc were all off the list because she'd either been there or knew it, and I needed a surprise. Some searching brought up Centonove. It seemed odd, being where it is, but reviews/driving past the place told me to go for it. She had never heard of it when we got there, and it did not disappoint from start to finish. One of the best dining experiences I'd ever had in Melbourne. Super friendly owners and staff who are there attending to your every need in a friendly and non-intrusive way. Intimate brick walls and decor. Minimal but very homey and welcoming. And the food and wine were all spectacular. Between us all we had a mixture of the duckling, ribeye, beetroot and feta, linguine special with clams, oysters, flounder, etc etc. Lots of excellent options food. The menu is small, but EVERYTHING was superb and spot on, and the wine list is huge, with knowledgeable staff to guide you through it objectively. As a result, we got to try a lot of new nice Italian wines we'd never heard of that matched the food perfectly. This place is amazing. And I think its secret, is that its hidden away in Kew, away from the tourists and the regular crowds. I almost feel upset reviewing it and popularising it haha, but that's what Yelp is for! But the Kew locals know it about it, as does the Age who have voted it as one of their top restaurants 5 years running, and it was packed. I'd also suggest sitting upstairs, it's much more spacious, although downstairs where the bar is is cool too. There's also a private wine room, but it seemed a bit claustrophobic in there. Centonove IS certainly an expensive dining place. But if you're looking for that type of night, either as a group, or just two people, this place is excellent. Unquestionably one of the best dining experiences I've had in Melbourne. Highly recommended.

We called and made reservations, as someone mentioned that it's difficult to walk in. We called at…read more5:45, and made a reservation for 6:15. It is definitely upscale, we were taken upstairs and it was very quaint. The staff was very professional. Service was amazing(as with the price-point it meets such service). My husband had a big appetite and he said his pasta was the best he'd ever had(and were Italian). Wish we had room for dessert!

Top Drawer Italian restaurant. The food was fantastic and authentic, the staff friendly and…read moreattentive & the Stefani Shiraz was superb.

This family run institution is a delight to be welcomed back to time and time again....from the…read moretraditional decor of deep booths for those long boozy lunches to the white tableclothed timber tables for those pressure business meetings over a ragu or pesto pasta, or quick soup on the run, all are catered for here. Nothing is ever a bother for the staff and everyone has a story or interesting fact to share, and it has been here forever. Tucked away neatly on Wellington parade opposite the MCG, great before and or after the game at Rod Laver, MCG, AAMI or even for sampling their extensive wine list.....back there next week as it is still a hidden gem.....always friendly and they can tell you what's going on in the economy better than Glenn Stevens can!

Tipo 00 is a chic and cozy Italian joint serving up amazing fresh homemade pasta. I snuck in on a…read moreweekday with no reservation and was able to snag a window seat at the counter. The service was quick and efficient and their staff made wonderful recommendations. They've got a fantastic menu and cocktails and wine list! I enjoyed fresh oysters and their pappardelle with wagyu beef that was so rich in flavor. It was the perfect dinner and their Italian cuisine is the ultimate comfort food!

We were looking for a restaurant that was less touristy than many of the others along the laneways,…read moreand we came upon Tipo 00 so we made a reservation. We're glad we did! Here's what we noticed: - It was difficult to get a reservation at prime dinner hour, so we opted for a 3:30 PM late lunch/early dinner which worked out perfectly for our schedule. - The place overall has a great vibe, good music, and it is pretty small. - There were some really interesting drinks and good wines to choose from...we went with wine since we had other plans later that evening. - We decided to start with the salad with pear and honey, and then my wife and I split both the black squid ink pasta, and the special pasta that had Moreton Bay Bugs. The salad was incredible perfectly dressed... Having it first gave us away as Americans for sure, but it was perfect. The squid ink pasta was every bit as good as everyone said in reviews, and so was the special pasta. - Service was great, not overbearing. They even brought us some extra bread so we could sop up the sauce from our pasta. Bottom line: There are so many great restaurants in Melbourne and Tipo 00 is right up there and should be on your "to try list".

Caffe E Cucina has to be one of my favourite restaurants in Melbourne…read more I've been frequenting this old faithful when I visit Melbourne since 1996 when I was recommended trying it after a weekend away for a friend's wedding. Caffe E Cucina has stood the test of time, having changed hands during the 20years I've been going there, but the atmosphere is still wonderful, as is the food. Whether it be a visit for a nice lazy lunch with friends or a romantic dinner this restaurant ticks all the boxes. I've been to Melbourne many times on work trips on my own, & feel quite comfortable sitting at the bar with a plate of calamari, & a glass of Pinot Grigio. It might not fall into the category of cheap & cheerful, but it's consistently great. The atmosphere of the restaurant could have you thinking you've ducked into a great little place on the streets of Venice or Rome. It's all things Italian. There's options for seating, upstairs has a privacy to it, there's also little juliet balcony spot for two upstairs, if you're trying to impress someone special. Street side seating on Chapel St for those wanting to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere of Melbourne, or there's inside on the main floor. My favourite place to sit is inside downstairs, where it all happens & you see the coming & going, & can see the staff making drinks & coffee's behind the bar exchanging friendly banter Italian style. ;-) Start with a glass of prosecco & get in the mood, transport yourself to Italy for a few hours.. Specials are written on the chalk board on the wall, as well as old favourites that are hard to pass by. My favourite of course would have to be the calamari. Caffe E Cucina has the reputation of having "the best" calamari & I have to admit I crave it & when I finally have it, I savour every last mouthful. Light, soft, tasty.... nothing chewy about it. It's how all calamari should be in my eyes. They know what they're doing. It can be entre size, but I feel like it's never enough, so my recommendation would be to have a main plate of the calamari to serve amongst two as a starter. I love the rocket salad on the side to share as well, light & delicious, whether on the side when having pasta or the calamari you can't go wrong ordering this. The pasta's are great, & consistent, the flavours are all balanced just right, not too heavy, & the sauces just coat the beautifully cooked pasta just right, & will leave you wanting more. I've been fortunate enough to experience risotto at it's best here too. Having been tried a few different specials over my times here, one was a Granny smith apple one that I can't even begin to describe & alway hope to see it on the menu again. I had a beetroot & goats cheese risotto recently that was delicious, silky & full of flavour. There are also many great mains, but honestly my favourite meal here is some calamari, a side of rocket salad, & a bowl of pasta, a glass or two of wine.. followed by great coffee & perhaps share a desert to finish off. The deserts & coffee are great. Tiramisu is of course on the menu & great. It's a little on the spendy side, but I enjoy it, so find it worthwhile. After all, a couple of hours in the heart of Italy through the doors at 581 Chapel St is always something I look forward to when in Melbourne.

Probably one of my all time sentimental favourites - I feel like Caffe E Cucina could be on some…read morelittle back street of Paris or Rome. Maybe just behind Piazza Navona? But filled only with locals, no tourists, hehe. It is JUST LIKE the classic little restaurants you would find in those archetypal European cities that serve you all your favourites perfectly executed. The decor is lots of brass and wood with an art deco feel; handsome Italian waiters scurrying about to tend to your requests. It's very small and cosy and so authentically European and chic. Not trendy. Go somewhere else for trendy. This isn't it. Think upscale and traditional. I had the Spaghetti with Vongole... it hit the spot. Then the affogato for dessert. Flawless. Another to add to add to my list of Melbourne favourites. Cannot imagine returning and not having a meal here. I would eat here all the time if this was in Sydney, especially when I was yearning for a little slice of Paris and Rome. *sighs wistfully*...

Solid Italian food with a great atmosphere. You feel like you are eating in an old-school Italian…read moreplace. I had the gnocchi and it was very good. We had an appitizer combo plate that was also very good.

A couple of friends have been talking this place up for a few years now and I finally got the…read morechance to visit. Often I find if something is given a big review it can be built up too much & you come away feeling unfulfilled. But in this case, their comments were definitely justified! The food was beautifully cooked and full of flavours that worked well together. The tiramisu was delicious and my friend says the pannacotta is the best she's ever had. The menu was quite extensive. The service was friendly and very helpful. The staff know what they're doing, were always nearby if we needed anything but didn't float around too closely! They knew the menu and their wines very well. A lovely genuine Italian restaurant with a great, cosy, friendly vibe! All in all, worthy of the cost.

Bottega sits amongst great company on the hill on Burke Street…read more Whether you've booked a table or are taking a chance, it's a great place to get a meal, and the setting is perfect for that first date. Serving modern Italian food Bottega is a beautiful restaurant with sleek furnishings and mood lighting. The last time I dined there I went for lunch and was pleasantly surprised with the diverse menu and eclectic flavours. I started with the grilled quail ($19) and followed it up with blue swimmer crab risotto ($29) with prosecco, cumin and chilli. The quail was great, but completely overshadowed by the risotto - which was surprisingly light. Unfortunately I wasn't able to drink due to antibiotics, but I did have a sneak peak of the wine list and it looked pretty good. Ditto the dessert menu. I plan on going back soon for dinner and making full use of the wine and dessert menu to rectify my mistake.

Modern italian restaurant on Burke St. When its warm they setup sidewalk tables which is a very…read morepleasant way to have a late lunch on a sunny day. The Good: Baccala and potato croquettes - very good Char grilled sweet corn with chili garlic butter - very good The Average: Spinach and beet salad - good but nothing special

Very good pasta! Ink spaghetti is great. Love the garlic bread and the minestrone soup. Best of all…read moreis the service 1st class, promt and friendly.

First dates can be tricky. You can often run out of things to talk about, one person always likes…read morethe other more and then what do you do when the cheque comes? I was taken on a first date to Il Cantuccio and it was incredible. It was a very brave choice by the gentleman concerned considering this venue is quite intimate and romantic - perhaps more an Anniversary destination than a first date. The wine list is extensive and the staff have that warm, family feel and will help you match your wine to your meal and assist with any other queries. The food is traditional Italian but not the greasy, cheesy kind you can so often find in other restaurants on the Lygon street strip. This food is filling, classic and made with love (yes, with love.) This is a great destination when you are trying to romance your partner - it worked on me!