What Do Lygon Street, the Last Supper, a Carpeted Dining Area and Tupperware have in Common?

By Laura Rancie

Having grown up in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne in the likes of Templestowe and East Doncaster I was greatly influenced by my Italian and Greek friends and their beautiful big families and hilarious stories. We would frequent Lygon street on hot summer nights for spaghetti and gelato.

And so with those fond memories I am really curious and excited about this brand new Italian restaurant opening by the comedian trio behind Sooshi Mango who are ready to open on Lygon street June 29 with a huge twist!  

 

 

 

Set to replicate that cosy feeling of eating at your Nonna’s, Johnny, Vince & Sam’s will feature a giant print of the Last Supper and a carpeted dining area, pasta served via a steaming pot straight off the stove, and takeaway provided in Tupperware containers complete with décor befitting any traditional Italian home.

 

 

The comedy sensation best known for their much loved ‘ethnic dads’ characters, Johnny, Vince and Sam have been together since 2015 where they achieved success amongst fans by taking on the role of three stereotypic Italian dads through their You Tube channel Sooshi Mango. However it wasn't until their skits went viral on Tik Tok and Instagram during the Covid days that the trio really won Aussies hearts.
The comedians behind the concept are Australian-Italian brothers Joe and Carlo Salanitri and their best friend Andrew Manfre.

 

 

Carlo Salanitri explains "It’s pretty obvious that Sooshi Mango is really proud of our heritage and that we are greatly influenced by that, and we grew up in a time where Lygon Street precinct was famous for being like a Little Italy in Melbourne. One of the key reasons we wanted to open a restaurant is to be part of the restoration of the area to its former glory. Making great food and getting to eat it for free is the other reason.”

"We may joke around a lot, but we’re serious about delivering good food and going above and beyond people’s expectations” Andrew agrees.

 

 

But far from tasting funny, the menu for their first ristorante Johnny, Vince & Sam's  has been designed by award winning Italian Chef, Johnny Di Francesco of 400 Gradi. Renowned for his authentic Italian cuisine and for winning the title of Australia’s Best Pizza.  

 

With a focus on good food designed to invoke a sense of nostalgia and be shared, the menu combines authentic Italian classics alongside pizzas with names like "It’s A’ Bloody Hot’ and ‘You like’a my salami eh’ under the "Farken Pizza” section, alongside Johnny Di Francesco’s award winning margherita.

 

 

The drinks list has also been given the Sooshi Mango treatment. In addition to the group’s eponymous wine on offer, cocktails to look out for include a Limoncello Spritz, a Wogified Bloody Mary, Tiramisu cocktail and a Blood Orange Sgroppino.

 

 

All of this is enough to get me in as one of their first customers. Joining me?