Cicciolina

Upmarket vibes As we walked up to Cicciolina I noticed a famous rapper from shepparton eating out the front. Good signs from the get go. We entered to a warmly lit area with some interesting artwork and a cosy feel. First was 2 espresso Martinis which impressed us with quantity, the quality was on par. We started with the foccacia which had Gorgonzola and anchovy. It was amazing. Followed by the beef tartare which was a treat. Mains were 2 pastas and chips. I ordered the chips as I'm wary in nicer places that mains are generally smaller but these were proper servings which I enjoyed. My ragu pasta did no disappoint and the Mrs loved hers swimmer crab pasta. The only constructive things I would add is that the hot chips could have been cooked a little longer until more crunchy and my swivel chair needed some wd40. It squeaked whenever I turned. But let's be honest you don't go out for a nice dinner for the hot chips. Great meal overall but a bit expensive to have regularly. Expect to spend close to 200 for all that and a couple drinks. Good spot for a special occasion. Will be back.

Love this place. A great pop in place before dinner at Cicciolinas or for a drink and nibbles, there is a great selection of share plates (the meatballs are amazing). They also have Bog and beer nights (bolognese and beer or wine). The staff are always friendly and you can choose from the main menu if you desire. Love the atmosphere. It’s easy to find, down the lane way behind the restaurant.

Such a great place to eat. Magnificent food, reasonably priced, and portions that were the perfect size for us. The waitress we had was fantastic (i wish i had asked her name) but all the staff were just as good, as i have this thing about watching how staff relate with all customers around the room. They know their job extremely well, and ours was friendly, switched on, and always one step ahead of what i was thinking. If i was the owner or manager of this restaurant i would be extremely proud of this professional team. Thank you for a most enjoyable evening, and i would happily eat there again, hopefully very soon.

Major attitude if you don’t tip despite a quick meal at the back bar last Sunday. The pork belly pasta had average flavours and wasn’t crispy which I’d expected. The New York style attitude was fine especially until leaving when the eftpos machine had a massive tip request. Being a Sunday and expecting staff get paid well and having just sat at the bar for a short while I passed on the tip. The waitress got angry gave us major daggers walked off and didn’t say anything when I said thank you and goodbye. Now I’m uncomfortable to return to my local Italian…

Before COVID hit last year, I had the intention of dining at the famous Cicciolina in Acland Street. Sadly no. BUT...Great things come to those who wait! After my first day of employment after two years, I treated myself to lunch here. A stalwart of St Kilda since 1993, booking is recommended in these post-COVID times, but if you are lucky, like me, walk-in seats might be available. Bookings can be made via their website and are the preferred method. There is a lovely picket-fenced area outside or the moody, intimate indoor tables or private back area that seats 10-20 people to choose from. Their menu offers modern and traditional Italian fare, using seasonal produce with V/GF options available. The servings are generous, tasty and prepared/cooked with passion and care. The prices are medium-high, but you get what you pay for - no issues here. They have a superb, renowned wine list, and the bar allows for the consumption of many cocktails and bar food. Recommendations: [Only had entrees today - gives me an excuse to return for the mains and desserts - which looked amazing too!] Cicc bread and butter (serves 2) $5 - still warm and crunchy, but oh so soft inside! Tuna carpaccio, watercress, lime, baby capers, chargrilled sourdough $28.50 - melt in your mouth tuna. Be sure to eat a bit of everything together, and the pairing of these items will make sense! Suggested accompaniment: Da Luca Prosecco DOC NV Veneto Italy $14 a glass - smooth, not acidic - divine [I had two glasses, but would have preferred a bottle]. Fritto misto – soft shell crab, calamari, zucchini, orange, green chilli, aioli (GF) - this was a 'special'. A large serve, best shared. An interesting selection of flavour profiles, which will delight your tastebuds. These are hard-working restaurateurs, chefs and wait staff. There is limited time for chit-chat as they are so busy, whether it be their lunch or dinner sittings. They are also sincere and caring individuals who kept my computer glasses safe and sound after leaving them behind. Bless, and thank you. I look forward to visiting again to complete my menu exploration.