7 Venues for Great Gnocchi and 7 Fun Facts

Gnocchi, those pillowy pasta potato parcels, are the unsung heroes of the pasta world – in fact there is some debate if they are actually pasta!

Did you know that gnocchi refers to the plural of gnocco? Here are six more fun facts and seven restaurants to get your gnocchi on:

•Gnocco is also a compliment – it is an Italian way of calling someone a ‘hottie’.

•Gnocchi with tomato sauce is known as strangolapreti – meaning priest stranglers, a local priest liked gnocchi so much, he ate too fast and choked.

•Gnocchi can be really vegan-friendly due to the simple staple ingredients.

•Gnocchi on Thursday is a Roman ritual.

•Gnocchi existed before potatoes and was made with ingredients like squash and breadcrumbs.

•In some regions of Italy, gnocchi is made with stale bread.

 

The future of pizza is in safe hands at well-loved restaurant Ciccio’s Woodfire Pizzeria on Poath Road in Murrumbeena. This Melbourne institution delivers authentic Italian pizza and pasta in warm and inviting surrounds of red brick, brown leather banquettes and art deco-style prints on the walls while guests salivate over tantalising aromas wafting from the kitchen.

Say grazie to starters of pork and beef meatballs with San Marzano tomato, goats’ cheese and focaccia, then discover Ciccio’s gnocchi bar for plates like pan-fried gnocchi with roasted pumpkin, spinach, cherry tomatoes, Spanish onions, butter and sage sauce; perhaps gnocchi with mushrooms, gorgonzola, pesto and cream hits the mark, or porcini mushroom, broccolini, cream and Parmesan.

 

Expect nothing less than mouth-watering food, expertly mixed cocktails and service that makes you feel like you have known the team for years at la baia bar-cucina on Beaconsfield Parade in Albert Park. Located on the corner of Kerferd Road, overlooking the beach and mesmerising sunsets, this Italian haven offers an extensive menu designed to accommodate most dietary requirements, showcasing all your favourite dishes from different parts of Italy that would make Nonna proud to serve.

Exclusive imported wines elevate each course to the next level in a cosy and warm atmosphere – think dishes like seared scallops, crispy prosciutto, grilled halloumi, pesto and aioli to begin – for the main, don’t go past pan-fried, handcrafted pumpkin gnocchi with spinach, pine nuts, aged pecorino, burnt butter and sage sauce.

 

Those seeking purveyors of fine food, grog, pizza, cheese and wine head to Alphington Social on Rowe Street in Alphington. Discover an eclectic, rustic vibe of exposed brick, an open fireplace, deer head on the wall and recycled timber tables at this trendy Melbourne eatery, ideal for catching up with friends over a drink or celebrating with family.

 

Find a cosy vibe ideal for lingering with a glass of wine to peruse a menu showcasing wood-fired pizza and pasta, perhaps starting with grilled octopus, hot honey, basil oil and Romesco sauce, cherry tomatoes and sourdough crisp. Pasta perfection can be found in mains of ricotta gnocchi with pumpkin velouté, pine nuts, chilli, goats’ cheese and sage, or tagliatelle with slow-cooked beef cheek, basil and Parmigiano.

 

An Italian place with real classic recipes that you would expect to find on your lunch break in Florence or Milan is what awaits at Oltre Alimentari e Cucina on Commercial Road in South Yarra. This charming café blends white subway tiles with hanging bulbs of garlic, recycled timber and potted greenery to set the scene for inspired dining and deli delights to take home for later.

Join a lively lunch gang and start a memorable meal with Wagyu bresaola, wild rocket, aged Parmesan and lemon; while for the main, delve into gnocchi Sorrentina with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, or al ragu with slow-cooked beef and pork, best enjoyed with a glass Italian red wine such as Montepulciano, or Sangiovese.

 

Whether catching up for brunch, lunch or dinner, Ashburton locals flock to Mr Burton on High Street for fare with flair. With floor-to-ceiling front windows offering a wide vista of the world outside, guests can people-watch while relaxing in a cool, chilled-out vibe of worn brick, polished wood and hanging globes.

On warmer days, dine alfresco in a sunny, north-facing garden courtyard while contemplating a menu brimming with Mod Oz classics given a Mediterranean twist, such as gnocchi inverno – chicken breast and gnocchi tossed with basil and housemade creamy pesto – or pumpkin gnocchi with red onion, basil, garlic and creamy sauce.

 

Indulge in the authentic flavours of Italy made with fresh, local ingredients at La Rustica by the Lake on Eastlake Parade in Kingston. This Canberra dining destination boasts lake views along with a stylish interior vibe of chandelier and pendent lighting, blond wood tables and potted greenery, setting the scene for memorable meals with family and friends from an extensive menu.

Jump right in with tuna carpaccio, ginger, chives, onion vinaigrette and rocket, or calamari fritti with mixed salad and sweet chilli mayonnaise; mains like housemade potato gnocchi tossed through creamy gorgonzola sauce always entice, or gnocchi with Pomodoro sugo, melted provolone and mozzarella. Finish divinely with traditional tiramisu made from a family recipe.

 

Listen to tooting trains while taking in the aroma of Italian fare wafting from the kitchen at Station House Pizzeria on Main Street in Gembrook. Located in historic premises opposite Puffing Billy Station, this refurbished eatery is nestled in a weatherboard cottage, with an indoor vibe of whitewashed walls, tiled floors and bistro-style tables and chairs setting a chilled-out ambience

An alfresco area beckons on balmy evenings, ideal for sipping a drink of choice and pondering a seasonal menu boasting pizza and pasta temptations such as housemade potato gnocchi with pesto and pumpkin, or pappardelle cacciatore – roast chicken, red pepper, olives and Spanish onion. Pizza lovers pick up a slice topped with chilli and garlic prawns, oregano, rocket and lemon oil.