Best Italian Restaurant in Melbourne 2016

Pietro's Bar and Restaurant is poised to become the best Italian restaurant in Melbourne in 2016. In its first year of operation, the restaurant built up a steady local following, becoming a hit with residents and visitors alike. The brainchild of chef and owner John Pighin, the restaurant serves up classic Italian fare in a relaxed, yet elegant setting that evokes memories of the traditional Italian lifestyle. Chef Pighin, piggybacking off the success of his previous restaurant, La Pasta Pot Restaurant in Greensborough, opened Pietro's to be a casual meeting place where diners can enjoy a good meal, good wine and good conversation. Situated on Plenty Road, the restaurant is in a vibrant and bustling neighborhood, which contributes to its continued success.

The menu at Pietro's Bar features traditional Italian dishes with modern flair designed to both stir feelings of nostalgia and impress discerning taste makers. From the home-made gnocchi to the three different variations of risotto, it is clear from even just a cursory look at the menu that Pietro's dishes are made with love and care, just as an Italian grandmother would when feeding her adoring grandchildren. Other highlights of the menu include the whopping 330 gram Porterhouse steak with a mushroom and green peppercorn sauce, the sweet chili prawns with jasmine rice, and the delicate and crispy arancini with pumpkin and pesto. The classic chicken parmigiana gets a modern update with the inclusion of a thin layer of ham and a side of crispy, delicious fries. No trip to Pietro's would be complete without an order of the local favourite garlic focaccia.

Aside from its welcoming menu, Pietro's also caters to private events. Gather up your friends for a fabulous meal for your next birthday, or urge your boss to plan a staff meeting here. Menu options are available in both a la carte and catered formats. The restaurant is open for lunch on Thursdays and Fridays, and for dinner daily except Monday. So the next time you're craving some pasta, head on down to Pietro's Bar and Restaurant and discover the best new Italian restaurant in Bundoora.