Category: ITALIAN FOOD

Da Michele, Naples’ Legendary Pizzeria, opens in Sydney!

Get ready, Sydney, because the moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here! L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele, the legendary Naples pizzeria made even more famous by Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love, is officially opening its first Australian restaurant. This Friday, 5th December, a true slice of Italian history is landing right in the heart of Sydney’s CBD! With a staggering 155 years of heritage, this isn’t just another pizza joint. It’s the original, the global benchmark, and a culinary institution with over 80 locations worldwide. Now, it’s bringing an authentic piece of Naples to our doorstep, promising real pizza, fair prices, and the kind of warmth only true Neapolitan hospitality can offer. A Taste of Naples Arrives in Sydney Since first opening its doors in 1870, Da Michele has built its legendary reputation on three simple things: simplicity, tradition, and excellence. The original shop in Naples, still proudly family-owned, is considered by many to be the best in the world. For years, dedicated foodies have travelled across the globe for a taste of the real deal. “Sydney, the wait for true pizza is finally over,” says Da Michele representative Giuseppe Costagliola. “For years, Australians have travelled to Naples for the real deal, or have been eating overpriced fakes. Now, we’ve brought the same ingredients and craftsmanship to Australia, so locals can experience the real pizza that started it all.” This has been a passion project years in the making. To guarantee complete authenticity, every single element has been meticulously sourced directly from Naples. We’re… Read More

Flaminia brings Italian seaside charm to Circular Quay

A new passage to the Italian seaside has opened in Sydney Harbour. The acclaimed team behind the beloved Northern Beaches institution, Pilu at Freshwater, have unveiled their next chapter: Flaminia. This new harbourside dining room in Circular Quay captures the authentic flavours, rituals, and rhythms of Italy’s enchanting port-side cities. For over two decades, Giovanni Pilu and Marilyn Annecchini have defined coastal dining at Pilu. Now, they are bringing their signature warmth and character to the heart of the city. Opening on Friday, 5 December, Flaminia represents a unique collaboration between the Pilu team and Table For, Accor’s innovative in-house food and beverage group. This new restaurant promises a journey from one iconic coastline to another, celebrating the tastes and traditions that travel with us. A Story of Connection and Heritage At its core, Flaminia is a story about connection—between people, place, and the food on their plates. The restaurant is named after the ship that carried the Pilu family from Italy to Sydney in 1959. This personal touch makes the restaurant a symbolic homage to a significant journey, paying tribute to the memories and flavours that have been passed down through generations. Perched above the glistening waters of Circular Quay, Flaminia offers a narrative that flows across the harbour. It brings a deep respect for tradition and fresh produce into a more energetic, city-centric setting. While Pilu at Freshwater remains deeply rooted in Sardinian heritage, Flaminia presents a lighter, more playful expression of Italian seaside hospitality. It’s a place where quality dining meets a… Read More

Sicily in Melbourne this summer at Johnny’s Green Room

This summer, Johnny’s Green Room is bringing the vibrant flavours of Sicily to its iconic Carlton rooftop with the launch of a brand-new cocktail menu on December 1. To kick off the season in style, Johnny’s is giving away 150 complimentary cocktails on Thursday, December 4, from 5pm. The first 150 guests to join the line in Johnny’s Lane will receive a drink card to sample the new menu. The Sicilia cocktail menu features 12 refreshing creations, including six new seasonal additions. Highlights include the Spiked Iced Tea, Fig Leaf Negroni, and Peach Wine Cooler, alongside the much-anticipated return of the Hugo Spritz. New standouts include: Culinary Director Karen Martini has also introduced Sicilian-inspired dishes to the menu, including Tuna Crudo, Zucchini Fritte, and two new pizzas: Marinara with mini burrata and Pear and Gorgonzola. For dessert, indulge in Cherry Panna Cotta or Pistachio Cannoli. With its sun-drenched rooftop, vibrant new menu, and a touch of Sicilian flair, Johnny’s Green Room is the perfect summer destination. Don’t miss the chance to sip and savor Sicily in the heart of Carlton.

Bottega’s winter menu brings cosy elegance to Bourke Street

We visited Bottega, one of Melbourne’s most enduring CBD dining spots, to try their newly launched winter menu. Tucked into Bourke Street in Melbourne’s Italian quarter, Bottega strikes a balance between cosy and spacious. The venue is elegantly styled with a modern, minimalist feel, featuring sleek black finishes, polished timber tables and rows of wine bottles lining the dividers of the leather booths. A quirky touch comes in the form of a playful collection of wall-mounted plates featuring suited animals, adding character without overwhelming the space. The ambiance is everything you want from a winter restaurant: warm, dim lighting, plush seating, and just the right amount of buzz without ever becoming loud. Tables are generously spaced, so you never feel crowded. It’s the kind of venue where you could comfortably settle in with a bottle of red and great conversation and forget what time it is. We started with cocktails, ordering an Espresso Martini and the Fig + Honey. We’ve tried a lot of Espresso Martini’s over the years and, like all things coffee, they can be very hit or miss. This was a definite hit. It was smooth and well balanced, with none of the bitterness or cloying sweetness that can throw it off. The Fig and Honey (more lemon + honey than fig) was also a lovely, sour cocktail that hit the spot. To begin, we shared the prosciutto and fontina croquettes, which had a great crunch and a fluffy, salty centre. A flavour-packed little bite. For mains, we tried the grilled free-range… Read More

Cecilia is North Sydney’s newest Italian gem

Step off the metro platform and straight into Italy at Cecilia in North Sydney. Tucked just a few steps from the brand-new Victoria Cross Metro Station, Cecilia isn’t shouting for attention. She doesn’t have to. This quietly confident Italian restaurant is doing everything right without the fuss. We may as well start at the pinnacle: the pasta. It’s made fresh, in-house, every single day. Not reheated. Not packed with random ingredients. Fresh and authentic. It’s the kind of silky, golden dough that would make a nonna weep with pride. Whether you go for the delicate handmade spaghetti or a rich vodka sauce draped over rolls of rigatoni, this is proper Italian food done properly. The best part is they know their audience, and serve their enviable sauces and pastas packaged up ready to heat and eat at home for those in too much of a rush to dine in. The menu is a tight edit, no 47-page novella here, and that’s exactly how we like it. Every dish has a job to do, and every ingredient earns its keep. You might start with anchovy toast with miso bagna cauda, or the burrata, which is frankly so creamy it should come with a warning. Then comes the pasta, obviously, and if you’re still standing, a classic tiramisu or cannoli for dessert. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure holiday to the Amalfi coast, and you don’t even have to leave North Sydney. Wine-wise, Cecilia keeps things classy with a short but smart list, including some very good Italian varietals, yes,… Read More

Festa Italiana returns to Brisbane this May 2025

Get ready to say ciao to Brisbane’s most vibrant culinary event as Festa Italiana makes its triumphant return to Howard Smith Wharves for its third year! Spanning two indulgent weekends, from Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1 June and Thursday 5 June to Sunday 8 June, this Italian food festival is set to be bigger, better, and more delicious than ever before. With authentic Italian cuisine, lively entertainment, riverside spritz bars, and an exciting moped giveaway, Festa Italiana promises an unforgettable experience for foodies, families, and lovers of all things Italian. A Stellar Culinary Lineup This year’s incredible culinary lineup is led by renowned chefs Orazio D’Elia, Carmine Guarino, and Dean Anning, who’ll be bringing their signature styles and passion for Italian cooking to life. Hailing from Naples, Orazio D’Elia of Da Orazio (Sydney) will be serving up dishes inspired by his hometown’s seaside promenades. Festival-goers can look forward to strozzapreti ai gamberi (twisted pasta with prawns, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes) and rigatoni alla vodka (a rich tomato, cream, and chilli dish with a vodka kick). On the Main Lawn’s grill station, his porchetta-stuffed focaccia and Pollo al Mattone chicken rolls will be perfect for riverside feasting. Joining Orazio is culinary master Carmine Guarino, the Napoli-born chef known for his passion for traditional Italian street food. Think Roman-style pizzas by the slice, paired with natural Italian wines and the joyful beats of classic Italo Disco music. At Ciao Papi, Howard Smith Wharves’ very own riverside trattoria, Executive Chef Dean Anning has crafted a special set… Read More

Celebrate the Festive Season with Pidapipo’s Pandoro Christmas Cake

Pandoro

The holidays just got a whole lot sweeter with Pidapipo’s latest festive masterpiece, the Pandoro Christmas Cake. Like a pannetone, but not really, the pandoro is an Italian Christmas must. Even more so when it’s a gelato-filled creation that is a decadent twist on a beloved classic, perfect for elevating any holiday gathering. Shaped like a Christmas tree, the Pandoro Christmas Cake showcases Pidapipo’s signature flair for indulgence. Its base is made of Pandoro, layered with a dreamy mix of their favourite festive gelato flavours. Think bacio, hazelnut, Pandoro itself, coconut, chocolate, sour cherry swirl, and chocolate fudge—all wrapped in a rich dark chocolate semifreddo and a crisp milk chocolate shell. The result? A showstopping dessert that’s as elegant as it is mouthwatering. Available for $120, this seasonal delight can be ordered online via the Pidapipo website from 25 November to 21 December, with in-store collection starting from 10 December. If you’re more of a last-minute shopper (we’ve all been there), the Pandoro Christmas Cake will also be available from 10 December at Pidapipo’s Carlton, Fitzroy, and Windsor locations. To sweeten your holiday shopping spree, Pidapipo has popped up at Myer, Bourke Street Mall. Treat yourself to their beloved gelato flavours or try the limited-edition ‘Coconut Snowflakes’—a divine blend of coconut and mango gelato encased in a white chocolate shell and sprinkled with coconut flakes. It’s the ultimate on-the-go indulgence. Pidapipo’s Pandoro Christmas Cake isn’t just dessert; it’s a celebration of Italian roots and holiday cheer. Whether you’re spoiling guests or simply treating yourself, this… Read More

Where to get Roman style pizza in Sydney

Get ready, Sydney, because SLICE is about to revolutionise your lunch break with a modern, vibrant twist on a beloved classic. Opening its doors on August 27, 2024, in the bustling heart of the city, SLICE is set to offer a fresh and convenient dining experience that caters to both busy professionals and food enthusiasts. Nestled on the 5th floor of Westfield Sydney on Pitt Street, SLICE specializes in Roman-style pizza by the slice. This new hotspot promises to deliver a unique blend of traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist, ensuring every visit is a delightful culinary adventure. From classic confit potato and rosemary to the innovative provolone and mortadella, each slice is crafted fresh daily, making it a must-try for pizza lovers. But SLICE isn’t just about pizza. The menu extends to freshly baked focaccia sandwiches, crisp salads, and the decadent pistachio tiramisu, all at an attractive price point. With slices and focaccia sandwiches priced at $12, bites and tiramisu at $7, and combo deals ranging from $16 to $25, SLICE offers high-quality, efficient, and freshly made meals that won’t break the bank. Adding an element of surprise, SLICE will unveil a new slice flavor daily, inspired by the freshest produce and ingredients available each morning. This rotating menu ensures there’s always something new to try, making each visit exciting and full of surprises. Designed with convenience in mind, SLICE invites patrons from 11 am to 4 pm, or until sold out, to enjoy its offerings through a streamlined, grab-and-go setup. Its open… Read More

Mister Bianco’s Annual Truffle Dinner

Mister Bianco is excited to announce its much-anticipated annual truffle dinner, which will be held for the first time at the new Cotham Road location on Tuesday, 13th August. Renowned for crafting an exquisite menu each year, owner and chef Joe Vargetto will once again impress diners with dishes that highlight premium local Buxton black truffles. This truly unique dining experience promises to be a culinary delight, featuring a welcome cocktail followed by a carefully curated four-course degustation menu. Each course will be perfectly paired with wines selected by Patrick Walsh from CellarHand to enhance the flavors of the delectable truffle-infused creations. Guests attending Mister Bianco’s Truffle Dinner will not only indulge in a luxurious meal but also have the chance to win a new MINI for a weekend, thanks to MINI Doncaster. This added incentive makes for an even more special and exciting evening. Truffle Dinner Menu Tuesday, 13th August, 6.30 pm – $149 per person Bookings To secure your spot at this extraordinary event, please make a reservation via the Mister Bianco website. This exclusive dinner is sure to sell out quickly, so be sure to book early and experience an unforgettable evening of truffle-infused gastronomy.

A new thing for Italian cannolis in Melbourne

The Cannoleria team are jumping with joy as they announce a series of delightful collaborations with some brilliant brands, all aimed at bringing you scrumptious monthly flavours of the week. For starters, Cannoleria is joining forces with Mount Zero Olives to craft a one-of-a-kind cannoli. This special treat will be available from the 19th to the 25th of July, but get in quick because once it’s sold out, it’s gone! Cannoleria, known as Melbourne’s most innovative cannoli specialist, is beyond thrilled about this partnership with Mount Zero Olives. This exquisite blend features their signature crunchy cannoli shell, topped up with a delightful concoction of white chocolate ricotta and a swirl of Mount Zero Olive jam. To top it all off, it’s garnished with a house-made white chocolate and olive shard. It’s a flavour extravaganza you won’t want to miss. And that’s not all – Cannoleria has more exciting collaborations lined up with the likes of MoVida, American Donut Kitchen, and Chappy’s Chips. So, keep your taste buds at the ready! Dario Di Clerico, co-owner and chef at Cannoleria, explains, “We chose to work with Mount Zero Olives as they are a local Victorian business and why not support business like this, doing good for the community and supporting one another. It’s what we’re all about. Looking at the ricotta we use, the olives we use, everything is local, so it just made sense.” Richard Seymour, General Manager of Mount Zero Olives, shares the excitement. “We’re wrapped to be partnering and collaborating on this beautiful Cannoleria… Read More