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Exploring Modern Italian Cuisine: A Contemporary Take on Tradition


Modern Italian cuisine blends the classic flavours and time-honoured traditions of Italy with contemporary cooking techniques and innovative presentations. This culinary movement embraces fresh, locally-sourced ingredients while infusing dishes with creativity and flair. The result? A vibrant, dynamic dining experience that pays tribute to the rich heritage of Italy.

Whether it's a reimagined pasta dish, artisanal pizza, or an inventive seafood preparation, modern Italian cuisine offers something for everyone, appealing to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters.

The Winery Kitchen
A Culinary Gem in Seymour

Nestled in the heart of Seymour, The Winery Kitchen offers more than just a meal—it provides a culinary experience that immerses you in the essence of Italy. The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere, characterised by rustic wooden furnishings and softly glowing lights, sets the perfect scene for savouring exquisite Italian fare. Set within picturesque surroundings, diners are treated to views of rolling vineyards and charming countryside, creating a tranquil and scenic backdrop that enhances the overall dining experience.

Exploring Modern Italian Cuisine: A Contemporary Take on Tradition

Renowned for their wood-fired pizzas, The Winery Kitchen's menu is a testament to artisanal cooking and a passion for perfection. Each pizza emerges from the oven with a perfectly blistered crust, topped with the freshest ingredients, from velvety mozzarella to vibrant basil. Beyond pizzas, the restaurant delights guests with weekly pasta specials that showcase the culinary team's creativity and dedication to seasonal ingredients. Every dish at The Winery Kitchen is crafted with a meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a harmonious balance of flavours and textures that celebrate the essence of modern Italian cuisine.

Mancini's Original Wood Fired Pizza
Authentic Flavours in Belfield

Located in the heart of Belfield, Mancini's Original Wood Fired Pizza has carved out a niche as a beloved destination for pizza aficionados and families alike. The restaurant exudes a cosy, family-friendly vibe, with the inviting aroma of baking dough and melting cheese welcoming guests as soon as they step through the door. Founder Eric Mancini migrated to Australia with his family when he was just four years old, bringing with them the culinary traditions of Naples, Italy. Opening the restaurant in 1992, Eric enlisted his mother, the late Anna Mancini, as Head Chef. Her deep-rooted knowledge of Italian cuisine and meticulous use of traditional ingredients set the foundation for Mancini's quality food.

Exploring Modern Italian Cuisine: A Contemporary Take on Tradition

Mancini's prides itself on its wood-fired pizzas, having been one of the first to introduce woodfired pizzas to Australia, each one is crafted to perfection with a crispy crust and rich toppings. The menu extends beyond pizza to include a unique take on Italian classics. This unwavering dedication to authentic Italian flavours has made Mancini's an icon in Belfield for over 30 years, attracting diners from all over to experience their traditional pizzas and delicious food in a warm, inviting environment.

Gemelli Italian Broadbeach
A Gold Coast Treasure

In the bustling heart of the Gold Coast, Gemelli Italian Broadbeach stands out as a culinary treasure, offering a dining experience that blends sophistication with a touch of laid-back charm. The restaurant’s sleek, modern interior, featuring elegant lighting, contemporary art, and comfortable seating, sets the stage for an unforgettable meal that balances elegance with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings.

Exploring Modern Italian Cuisine: A Contemporary Take on Tradition

The standout dish at Gemelli is their Rigatoni Salsiccia—a hearty and flavourful pasta dish that embodies the essence of Italian comfort food. The rigatoni, cooked to al dente perfection, is enveloped in a rich, savory sauce that marries the robust flavours of Italian sausage with a hint of spice. But Gemelli’s menu extends far beyond this signature dish, offering a diverse selection that caters to every palate. From the freshest seafood, including succulent prawns and tender calamari, to decadent desserts like their famed tiramisu, Gemelli ensures a memorable meal for every guest. Each dish is a celebration of Italian culinary traditions, reimagined with a contemporary twist that keeps diners coming back for more.

Vivace Restaurant & Functions
A Culinary Delight in Brighton

Situated in the vibrant locale of Brighton, Vivace Restaurant & Functions offers a dining experience that seamlessly merges traditional Italian flavours with contemporary culinary techniques. The restaurant's elegant decor, featuring chic furnishings, ambient lighting, and stylish table settings, creates an atmosphere of refined indulgence that is perfect for both casual dining and special occasions.

Exploring Modern Italian Cuisine: A Contemporary Take on Tradition

One of the highlights at Vivace is their yellowfin tuna crudo—a dish that is as visually stunning as it is delectable. The delicate slices of tuna are artfully arranged and paired with slow-cooked baby tomatoes, zesty ruby grapefruit, and a subtle horseradish mayo, creating a vibrant combination of flavours and textures. This dish exemplifies the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity, showcasing the fresh, high-quality ingredients that Vivace is known for. With a menu that spans from classic Italian pastas to innovative contemporary dishes, Vivace offers a culinary journey that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression on every food enthusiast.

Luciano's on the Marina
Modern Italian Excellence

Luciano's on the Marina in Glenelg offers a dining experience that is both stunning and sophisticated, with a prime waterfront location that provides breathtaking views of the marina. The stylish, open-plan design of the restaurant, featuring sleek furnishings and expansive windows, complements the vibrant and contemporary menu, creating an ambiance that is both chic and inviting.

Exploring Modern Italian Cuisine: A Contemporary Take on Tradition

Renowned for its quality Italian-style dishes with a modern twist, Luciano's excels in delivering innovative flavours while staying true to its roots. Each plate is a testament to the culinary team's skill and dedication, with dishes that range from expertly crafted pastas to fresh, locally sourced seafood. The focus on fresh, local produce ensures that each meal bursts with flavour and authenticity, whether you’re enjoying a classic margherita pizza or a more adventurous creation like squid ink risotto. The combination of high-quality ingredients, culinary expertise, and stunning waterfront views makes Luciano's a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a truly exceptional dining experience.

Featured Locations

Italian    $$$$$

Gemelli Italian Broadbeach

Real Italian food handmade with love is what is on the menu at Gemelli on Gold Coast Highway in Broadbeach. With a name translating to ‘twins’ in Italian, this dining destination encapsulates all t...

Italian    $$$$$

The Winery Kitchen

Espousing a paddock-to-plate philosophy in Seymour is The Winery Kitchen. Located only an hour from Melbourne and tucked into Seymour’s picturesque Somerset Crossing Vineyard, this family-run resta...

Italian    $$$$$

Vivace Restaurant & Functions

Discover world-class fine dining in suburban Melbourne at Vivace Restaurant & Functions on Bay Street in Bayside. Since opening in 2004, Vivace has become synonymous with exceptional modern Italian...

Italian    $$$$$

Mancini's Original Wood Fired Pizza

With a culinary philosophy firmly rooted in the Italian tradition of seasonality and prime ingredients, award-winning Mancini’s Original Wood Fired Pizza on Burwood Road is a Belfield iconic dining...

Italian    $$$$$

Luciano's Italian Marina Pier

Italian with an Amalfi Coast vibe is on offer at Luciano's Italian Marina Pier at Holdfast Shore Marina in Glenelg. With ultimate waterfront views from the marina pier, this elegantly styled restau...

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