PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAA family-run venture, Tiamo is the success story of in-laws working together to create quintessential and contemporary Italian food. An eclectic mix of people gather here to engage in everything from post movie to post graduate discussion; and it’s a popular place to stop for a meal or a coffee. Since the 70s, Tiamo has been offering consistently delicious Italian staples such as hearty serves of lasagne, bologna, cannelloni and everything else you’ve come to love about this homely food. There’s just nothing on this menu not worth trying.
So in 1996, when Tiamo 2 opened up next door, the food lovers of Carlton really had something to celebrate. Offering a slightly different spin on the traditional approach of the original, Tiamo 2’s menu incorporates the essence of Italian cuisine with an interesting modern flavour. The maccheroni della zia of handmade mini meatballs, eggplant Napoli sauce and basil is a delicious example of this approach to food, as is the warm chicken salad with lightly crumbed and grilled fillets served with a bacon, sun dried tomato and balsamic dressing. Something both venues have in common is the reasonable pricing – mains at Tiamo keep below the $20 mark, and at Tiamo 2 below $25.
Jenni Kauppi