Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, the secret to great pasta lies in simplicity and quality. At 400 Gradi, they have honed the pasta-making process to create mouth-watering dishes that our patrons simply can’t get enough of. Remember, the key to perfect pasta is attention to detail, patience, and love for the process. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring the charm of Italian cooking right into your kitchen!
This spring heralds an exciting transformation for the cherished espresso bar and bistro, Officine Zero, located in Prahran. The venue will undergo a complete rebirth, taking on a new avatar as Officina Gastronomica Italiana (OGI). The refurbishment will expand the establishment’s physical space, while also introducing an evening menu, seamlessly transitioning patrons from daytime to nighttime. Emilia-Romagna native Claudio Casoni, the proprietor, ensures that OGI stands as a testament to true Italian authenticity and craft. The pasta, traditionally made or “fatta in casa” by a Turin native, Gabriele, along with exquisitely hand-picked Italian artisan wines curated by Florentine Front of House Manager, Armando, contribute to OGI’s authentic Italian atmosphere. Casoni envisioned more than just an espresso bar when he first opened Officine Zero in 2014. His dream was to create a venue for sharing his passion for Italian crafts, sustainable producers, and classical hospitality with the local community. With this expansion and the renaissance of Officina Gastronomica Italiana, this vision is about to become a reality. Upon entering, patrons will be welcomed by a central bar, coffee, and food counter, whether they’re visiting for a morning dose of espresso or an evening glass of wine. In true Roman style, patrons can enjoy their meals at tables arranged on three sides of the room, bathed in the vibrant energy of the bustling village beyond. The entire gastronomic journey is navigated under the amiable guidance of the front-of-house manager, Armando Al khatib, whose warm Italian-style hospitality has been a cornerstone of the venue’s sustained success. Head chef… Read More
This is a huge call, but we’re willing to make it. The best Italian restaurant in Sydney is Casa Mia Osteria in Newtown. We’ve tried a lot of them, but this intimate joint at the end of King St has blown us away with it’s authentic Roman dishes and delicious Italian wines. Casa Mia translates to “at home”, and that’s exactly how you feel entering their doors. The team are the epitome of generous Italian hospitality and make thoughtful recommendations. Casa Mia Osteria is the personal project of two friends who have known each other from back in Italy, Andrea Nazzari (from Tetsuya’s, Rockpool Bar & Grill, and Baccomato Osteria) and Valerio Boncompagni (previously executive chef at Baccomato Osteria). Boncompagni cooks everything in-house including the sourdough, focaccia and salumi. After learning how to make salumi from his uncle during his childhood in Toscana, he developed a passion for cured meat that he marinates with nearly 15 different herbs and spices and of course with no addition of preservatives. Depending on the days, you may taste Pancetta, Wagyu bresaola, capocollo, Lamb prosciutto, finocchiona, mortadella, nduja (a spicy pork spread), guanciale (pig cheek), and more. You’ll get something new every time you dine and in true Roman style, nothing is wasted, so come with an open mind. One of their best items on the menu has to be the wood-fired pinsa Romana (Roman pizza), which are cooked in the traditional way and more oval in shape. The dough is made from three types of flour and rested… Read More
This year on 9 February, the country celebrates National Pizza Day. So if you need another reason (not likely) to smash a pizza, then get excited, because this one’s sanctioned by the motherland itself. Italy, if you didn’t figure that out. The award-winning Melbourne restaurant brand 400 Gradi is celebrating the day in full force, pumping out their Italy-approved pizzas for Melburnians. 400 Gradi was the first ever Australian pizza chain to sell traditional Neapolitan pizza, which needs to adhere to the guidelines of the True Neapolitan Pizza Association in order to be allowed to sell it. The brand was recently voted one of the best pizzas in the world in the 50 Top Pizza Award Night in Madrid, where Johnny di Francesco’s popular pizza was ranked 6th in the world. Guests visiting the restaurant on National Pizza Day will have the opportunity to try this traditional Italian pizza along with a range of other options with high-quality Italian ingredients. So, get onto it and make a booking!
Italy is the home of pasta. The birthplace of pizza. The refuge of cannoli and the haven of tiramisu. And that’s just covering a few regions! As the world gets increasingly food focused, Italy’s reputation has just taken over, giving us not just the image of Italy as a foodie’s paradise, but direct-from-the-source-type places where we can get all the produce we’d ever need. Think Eataly! To honour the beautiful country that is Italy and to get excited for the full calendar year of food events and things to do around the country, we’re taking a look at the best and biggest food festivals around the country to add to your diary. And why. JANUARY, gennaio Sagra della Sfincia di Priescia, Montelepre, SICILY All about the traditional Sicilian sweet treat, sfincia di priescia, this annual festival takes place on 6th January in the Piazza Principe di Piemonte. FEBRUARY, febbraio Battle of Oranges, Ivrea, PIEDMONT Get your cameras ready because the Battle of Oranges must be seen to be believed. An epic three-day food fight which runs from Sunday until Shrove Tuesday every year, this festival is all about flying fruit in a re-enactment of a skirmish dating back to the 12th century. MARCH, marzo Feast of San Giuseppe, CAMPANIA, SICILY, LAZIO Across southern Italy on March 19th, Italians celebrate San Giuseppe with myriad versions of zeppole, the more-ish crispy fried dough balls which are a popular street food throughout the south. Ask for the melt-in-your-mouth Zeppole di San Giuseppe – and don’t even try stopping at just one…. Read More
Up north from Melbourne by about 6 hours’ drive, there’s a country town called Mildura. Known for fruit orchards, it’s probably pretty low on the list of places you’d expect somewhere like 400 Gradi, the Italian food and drink providore to open. But, prepare to be surprised. To launch the new 400 Gradi venue, founder Johnny Di Francesco has partnered with co-owner and local resident Michael Sarrou, who previously ran Mildura’s Fasta Pasta for 17 years. The new 300 capacity restaurant brings 400 Gradi’s famous Italian cuisine, including its once crowned world’s best Margherita pizza and much-loved favourites, to the region with all the best Italian inspired items you’d expect from a restaurant chain with now 7 locations. The interiors embrace 400 Gradi’s signature Italian luxe aesthetic with subtle greenery, terrazzo countertops and tables, and plush upholstery. The new space, outfitted by Dean Dyson Architects, includes two dining areas, a bar serving cocktails, and two private function rooms catering for 50 and 70 guests respectively. For more and to book, head to the 400 Gradi website.
Cannoleria, the cannoli royalty in Melbourne is ensuring that everyone will have a sweet December and Christmas this year with its limited edition Christmas range. From GIY (Garnish It Yourself) ricotta filled panettone that includes a gluten free version to a Christmas Tree Kit that’s perfect for kids and Panettone infused Flavour of the Week Cannoli throughout December, it ‘cannoli’ mean it’s time to be festive! Complete with two flavours this Christmas, the Panettone available, plus a delicious gluten free Pandoro. · Pistachio Panettone: traditional panettone layered with pistachio ricotta and coffee ricotta, comes with pistachio spread and cannoli shell crumbs · Rocher Panettone: traditional panettone layered with hazelnut ricotta and chocolate ricotta, comes with white gianduja spread and cannoli shell crumbs · Gluten Free Pandoro: gluten free traditional pandoro layered with traditional Sicilian ricotta, comes with a vegan chocolate and hazelnut spread and icing sugar For more and to buy some while you can, head to their website
Stop what you’re doing. Italian wine, cocktail and dining venue, Mille Vini will reopen its doors on Crown Street this Thursday, 21 October, after an extensive interior facelift and new menu and drinks offering. With a new menu and fresh new name and look, Mille Vini’s new menu has a strong emphasis on classic recipes from all Italian regions, with handcrafted pasta. Some of the signature dishes include poached octopus salad, battered zucchini flower, truffle pecorino with blossom honey and a selection of freshly made crostini stracciatella. The food is genuine, simple and beautiful, with the goal for the venue to create an evocative combination of culinary philosophies and techniques from around the globe, while respecting the Italian classics. Mille Vini is set within a historical building from 1840s. It has received fresh interiors and beautiful design to compliment the completely reinvented food and drink offering. The ambient and elegant moody dining area layered with velvet drapery and brass and crystal chandelier, creating a luxe and romantic European aesthetic. The overall look and feel is nostalgic, sophisticated and cultured. For more and to make a booking, head to the Mille Vini website. Find it at 397 Crown Street, Surry Hills Monday – Thursday: 5pm – late Friday – 4pm – late Saturday – Sunday: 12pm – late
Because coffee and desserts are life and because Melbourne’s a miserable place of lockdown hell, there’s some good news! To try to lift Melburnians spirits this week, Cannoleria has announced a Caffè e Cannoli Kit for delivery across the city, including Geelong! In collaboration with Roast Art @ Home, the specialist of at home coffee roasting, Cannoleria has created the perfect lockdown moment or gift for a loved one “Caffè e Cannoli” made the true Italian way in the comfort of home! The kit’s $60 and contains all the goodies, like:– 1 X Bialetti Moka Express espresso maker Italia tricolour (RRP value $69.95)– 1 X Bag of freshly ground coffee by Roast Art @ Home (170g Amalfi blend)– 1 X Cannoleria DIY Cannoli Kit (RRP value $23.00) Order online while you can!
Take your shoes off and enjoy a six course dinner you wish you could do more often. On Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th June Joe Vargetto and Lorena Corso will host Siciliana vs Siciliano where guests enjoy a six course degustation dinner, each course with two dishes – one from the Australian Sicilian (Joe) and one from the Sicilian (Lorena) – and vote on their favourite dish. Lorena was born and raised in Sicily and she has worked as a chef in the UK and Melbourne, currently at Napier Quarter in Fitzroy. Here’s what’s on the menu: Arancino vs Arancino – Globe artichoke on crispy bread vs Cured snapper, fried artichoke & broad bean relish – Sea snail cappalletti, sorrel & crustacean bisque vs Periwinkle, pesto trapanese, sea lettuce – Grilled pumpkin and and pickled mussel skewer, fermented honey & saltbush vs Crayfish & pumpkin schiacciata – Kelp wrapped red mullet, cumquats & native sea herbs vs Red mullet with potato scales – Sweet cacao ravioli filled with almonds & apricots vs Almond milk pudding, burnt tangelo granita & vino cotto spelt Tickets are $150 per person – book here
