From the team behind suburban gems Riserva, Baia Di Vino, and San Lorenzo comes a new dining destination in Melbourne’s inner south. Lucia, a Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar located at the base of Eleven Eastern Road, South Melbourne, promises to redefine the traditional European dining experience. Co-owners Frank Ciorciari and Anthony Silvestre have set out to bring the same much-loved style of warm, old-school hospitality as their other venues, to the local area.
Elevated Design and Ambiance
Brought to life by Melbourne architecture practice Rothelowman and Melbourne/New York-based branding studio Blurr Bureau, Lucia draws inspiration from European heritage and the Renaissance period. The light-filled dining room is exquisitely designed, featuring earthy tones of maroon and moss green, floor-to-ceiling windows, banquette seating, marble tops with brass detailing, and mood-lighting, all contributing to an ambiance that accentuates the space’s European feel.
The Culinary Experience
Lucia follows the same ethos of the owner’s other venues through simple, well-executed food complemented by an iconic wine list. Head Chef Jordan Clavaron, who honed his skills under his father, a Michelin Star chef, curates a masterfully simple Mediterranean menu, characterized by signature recipes with seasonality at its core. The menu draws inspiration from Clavaron’s travels around France, Italy, and Spain, offering a seamless transition from day to night with share plates, mains, and larger share plates, all crafted with a Mediterranean flare.
An Unparalleled Wine Selection
Heading the expansive 400-bottle list is Head Sommelier Simone Garro, aiming to delight diners with some of the world’s most iconic wines, designed to work in harmony with the food. The wine list also features an extensive range of approachable and value-driven wines from local and international producers. In addition, guests can indulge in a contemporary Euro-inspired cocktail menu and a great list of aperitifs and digestifs, curated by Lucia Bar Manager Efe Iseri.
Unmatched Hospitality and Unique Offerings
At Lucia, just as much emphasis is placed on the service as the food and drinks. With much-loved hospitality veteran Christian Janko coming on as Restaurant Manager, every guest of the restaurant will be made to feel welcome and at home. Furthermore, a unique feature of Lucia is The Vault, an underground private dining room accommodating 25+ seated, offering privacy in an elevated setting, along with bespoke marble bar for more intimate gatherings.
Artistic Expression and Immersive Experience
Blurr Bureau has designed the space with diner experience front of mind, featuring six custom, large-scale artworks created bespoke for Lucia. These artworks, embodying the persona and ethos of the restaurant, provide a backdrop of mystery and intrigue, enhancing the overall immersive experience for diners.
With its commitment to warm hospitality, exquisite culinary offerings, and an unparalleled dining experience, Lucia stands as a testament to the beauty of Mediterranean dining with a refined approach, right in the heart of South Melbourne.
For those seeking an unforgettable dining experience, Lucia is open from Tuesday to Saturday, starting at 12pm, inviting locals and visitors alike to indulge in the charm of old-school hospitality and elevated dining.
Find Lucia at 11 Eastern Road, South Melbourne VIC 3205
