Where to eat the best pasta in Melbourne
Quick answer: The best places to eat pasta in Melbourne are Mr. Ottorino for rustic Southern Italian cooking, Cecconi for classic fine dining, Olivigna for al fresco dining, Scopri for Piedmont-style indulgence, and Etto Pasta for fresh takeaway on the go.
The foodie scene in Australia has been thriving for the last few years, and along with Sydney, Melbourne has been at the very center of this tasty revolution. From unusual hipster concoctions to Asian fusion and Modern Australian, there is something delicious for everyone. With restaurants everywhere you turn, it can be hard to decide where to eat, so if you’re craving Italian, we have narrowed it down to our five favorite eateries that never disappoint.
Best Pasta in Melbourne at a Glance
| Restaurant | Best for |
|---|---|
| Mr. Ottorino | Rustic, homely Southern Italian at reasonable prices |
| Cecconi | Classic Italian fine dining |
| Olivigna | Authentic food and an idyllic outdoor terrace |
| Scopri | Piedmont flavors and an extensive wine list |
| Etto Pasta | Affordable, fresh takeaway pasta |
1. Enjoy the Rustic: Mr. Ottorino
If you want a restaurant with a homely atmosphere and dishes that could have been made by an Italian nonna, Mr. Ottorino should be your first stop. With reasonable prices and an impressive range of pasta dishes, this is the place to go when you’re in dire need of a hearty meal.
The cooking is based mostly on Southern Italian cuisine, with a modern touch here and there, and the seasonal menu is built on fresh ingredients. The rustic, cozy ambiance complements the food perfectly, and the hospitality is top-notch.
2. Embrace the Classics: Cecconi
Cecconi is, simply put, the staple of Melbourne’s Italian food scene and the benchmark against which the competition is measured. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but worth every dime as the epitome of fine dining.
The minimalist design complements the elegant menu, but don’t assume the food will be boring: there’s a reason Cecconi has been a major player for so long. The pasta selection isn’t large, but each recipe has been lovingly crafted and tweaked for the most delicious results.
3. Eat Al Fresco: Olivigna
When you step into Olivigna, you’ll find it hard to believe you haven’t been transported to Italy. Without a doubt, this hidden gem is a true Italian restaurant in Melbourne, and everything about it is authentic.
The quality of the food is unparalleled, which is no surprise once you learn that almost everything is made in-house, including the olive oil, bread, limoncello and prosecco. Its big draw is the idyllic outdoor terrace with an Italian-inspired view of cypresses, hedges and flowers. The terrace operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so there’s no need to book.
4. Indulge Yourself: Scopri
Scopri is pure indulgence for your taste buds. A little piece of Piedmont right in the middle of Melbourne, it is dedicated to bringing authentic Italian flavors to its patrons.
The restaurant ensures premium quality by using locally grown produce straight from its own organic farm, and the seasonal menu means every plate reflects the best ingredients available at the time. Homemade pasta comes with flavorful sauces, paired with wines from an extensive list that includes plenty from Piedmont and other Italian regions.
5. Eat on the Go: Etto Pasta
Etto Pasta is the perfect pit stop when you’re on the go. It operates mostly as a takeaway, and if takeaway pasta in Melbourne had a middle name, it would be Etto.
Choose from six types of pasta and pick the sauce to go with it. The food is simple, satisfying and affordable, ideal for a quick lunch or dinner on a busy workday. What sets Etto apart? Its pasta is made fresh twice a day, and trust us, it makes all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get cheap pasta in Melbourne?
Etto Pasta is affordable and great for takeaway, and Mr. Ottorino offers hearty dishes at reasonable prices.
Which Melbourne Italian restaurant is best for fine dining?
Cecconi is the classic choice: pricier, but the epitome of Italian fine dining in the city.
Do I need to book Olivigna’s terrace?
No. The outdoor terrace works on a first-come, first-served basis.
Conclusion
Nothing hits the spot quite like pasta. When you’re craving comfort food, a big steaming bowl of your favorite pasta drenched in a delicious sauce is the only thing that will satisfy. Now you know where to eat the best pasta in Melbourne.
Author’s Bio
Roxana is a Sydney based travel enthusiast with a passion for writing. She loves fashion and has an eye for anything visually appealing and aesthetical. She is all about the healthy lifestyle, loves to run with her husband and dogs and has fun cooking exotic meals for her family. You can find her articles on HighStyleLife.
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