Restaurant Reviews

Osteria Ilaria: Restaurant review

Address

367 Little Bourke St
Melbourne, VIC

Hours

Mon-Sat 11.30am-10.30pm

Prices

E $16-$26
M $21-$46
D $12-$14

REVIEW

After wowing Melbourne with Tipo 00, chef Andreas Papadakis has opened a second restaurant right next door, proving that his prowess with Italian food extends beyond spaghettini and rigatoni. But don't panic, there's still pasta at Ilaria. Nettle and blue cheese gnocchi and paccheri with prawns, sorrel and perfectly pitched prawn oil are seriously compelling but Papdakis also roasts duck, makes a richly satisfying pork liver sausage, grills baby octopus and exercises admirable restraint with desserts (see the sheep's yoghurt semifreddo). There are 90 seats here, from booths to barstools, but it's the kitchen bar with its perspective over the marble  pass that provides the best views. Co-owner Luke Skidmore constantly refreshes the nine-page wine list, maintaining a small producer/Old-World lean. Service is sharp and tight and the mood bustling - all this makes Ilaria one of 2017's most exciting restaurant openings.
Phone:
(03) 9642 2287
Bookings:
Bookings recommended
Features:
  • Licensed
  • Bar
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Private room
  • Impressive Wine List
Accepted card types:
  • American Express
  • Eftpos
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
Chef(s):
Andreas Papadakis
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide's reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.