LOCATION
Melbourne, CBD.
DETAILS
When it comes to Melbourne restaurants, The Italian is a true CBD favourite amongst foodies, international celebrities and the business arena. With its exposed features, floor to ceiling wine cabinets & ornate design details, The Italian has always been in a league of its own and in 2008 - it’s on the move. After three years in Malthouse Lane, an increasing demand for The Italian's food & ambience has seen this well known establishment, cross Flinder’s Lane to hit the ‘serious’ side of town.
The ‘real’ Italian, Roberto Scheriani – has embraced the opportunity to turn bistro dining into a ‘hotspot’ for the most powerful building in Australia.
FUNCTIONS
Guests at The Italian will enjoy simple Italian food, whilst drinking the finest selection of Australian and International wines. The new space also allows for private or large functions and you can choose from the bar or dining room menu day & night. The outdoor courtyard gives a new perspective on 101 and will certainly entertain those wanting to escape the hectic rush of the city streets.
PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIA
The Italian is a restaurant perfectly in sync with its surroundings. This soaring multi-level diner is a world away from the CBD’s trademark hidden laneway gems. Embedded within the corporate heartland, this is where Melbourne powerbrokers come to seal the deal over vitello tonnato (sliced veal topped in creamy, tuna-instilled sauce), an expertly cooked steak and impressive wine.
During the day, the downstairs café hosts casual breakfasts, and later, the elegant dining area flooded with natural light is a second home to the who’s who of the corporate world. The large courtyard is an oasis from the concrete city on sunny days, and high-backed red leather booths of the semi-secluded upstairs dining area create a more private affair. The departure of chef Andy Logue late last year sees Anthony Grafton keeping the faith with assured, honest, well executed Italian fare that sticks to the classics and does them well.
For lunch, light and fresh spaghettini with blue swimmer crab, tomato and a touch of chilli sends tastebuds back to the office singing. More leisurely lunch hours start with delicate beef carpaccio or poached veal tongue salad enlivened with white anchovies and salsa verde. Mains explore a range of classics. The Italian roasted duck accompanied by Savoy cabbage and pancetta is lifted with a citrus sauce, while the crumbed veal cotoletta is teamed perfectly with a rich caponata (simmered eggplant). Ligurian fish stew beholds a jumble of local mussels, pipis, prawns and fish in a rich tomatoey, garlicky stock, served with a charred, aioli smeared baguette. For dessert, return to an old love with the vanilla panna cotta and summer berries, or Chambord semi-freddo woven with raspberries and pistachios.
Like the menu, service is attentive and consistent, and effortlessly continues The Italian style from a smart business lunch through to an intimate dinner.
Angela Costanzo