We got a little lost on our way but finally made it to Johnny De Francesco's restaurant 400 Gradi in Brunswick. Thankfully this extremely busy restaurant (with a line out the door) didn't give our table away even though we were 5 minutes late. It seemed to us that every one of the waiters there were Italian. We were humoured while waiting for our dinner by watching two staff having a heated conversation, which no one could hear because of the hundred other conversations taking place. For us it just added to the raw Italian feel of the place, you know? Two impassioned Italians in this setting - could we get more stereo-tyipcal if we tried?
David was so embarrassed that I asked the waiter for a photo, but like I said date night's are rare, and I'm also a blogger who wanted to capture the moment so I could tell you all about this delicious experience.
We started out with Piatto di Antipasto - cured meats, Italian cheeses, olives and marinated vegetables. I have never had prosciutto that tasted so good and just melted in my mouth. It redeemed past experiences where I have eaten slightly dry and chewier prosciutto; like at my wedding reception where I actually gagged hard on a piece of the stuff.
This plate was so full of flavour, and even the breadsticks were *more-ish
And then the pizza arrived ...
We ordered the Guancia - Matera, san marzano tomato, Fior di latte, pancetta, mushrooms, olives and loved every bite. The dough was light and thin where it should be - but not crispy and the crust was puffy and heavier than the base. It was the way pizza should be, in my humble quadruple citizen, but still not Italian, opinion. David had to remind me this was knife and fork pizza. If we could go back we would love to try their pastas and dessert.
Oh, and I must mention that we had great service, which to me just tops off the whole experience. You can have restaurants who think they are so good (arrogant), and/or too busy to give great, friendly service. This was not one of them. Our waiter was attentive even though he was busy, and the food came out on time and when it should come out (i.e.the appetiser before the main). It helped that the waiter looked like the italian version of my brother Josiah, and seemed similar in personality. Both guys are wonderful waiters too. It just happens to be Joe's birthday today so I may as well show you a picture of him in gold shorts and wish him a ...
Back on topic, I give 400 Gradi a 5/5 and a MUST TRY and MUST DO AGAIN!
*Australian way of saying you want more of the yummy stuff
**This is not a sponsored post. We wish, but it was worth every penny.
thanks for the tip!!
ReplyDeleteThat whole meal looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteOMG that pizza looks so scrummy!! My kids are grown now but I remember just how wonderful it was to get that rare night out without little ones to wrangle. If I'm ever in Melbourne, I will be sure to seek out that restaurant!! :-)
ReplyDeleteI saw that piece on Sunrise and thought that I needed to try his pizza. Glad to see a positive review, will def try next time I'm in Melbourne :)
ReplyDeleteNow I really want pizza. I'm going to Melbourne for the bloggers bbq in a few weeks, but we won't have time to go exploring or I'd go and try the pizza for sure. I'm sure your brother will be impressed with the short photo being on the internet!
ReplyDeleteI love pizza. It's probably my favourite food if it's done right. I want to eat pizza now. Not that exact type because I don't like olives or pancetta but something with spicy pepperoni. Yum.
ReplyDeleteWow, this sounds delicious. I love a good pizza and find the only way to get that is to do it myself. Maybe next time I'm in Melbourne I will track this place down. Date nights are few and far between for me too, though I am going out Thursday night!!!
ReplyDeleteOh man, that is the pizza to beat all pizzas. We've recently discovered that our favourite dine in gourmet pizza place also does take away. We cannot wait!
ReplyDeleteOooh, yummy! I heard the same chef has opened a kid-friendly restaurant at Crown as well. We were thinking of checking it out some time soon. Now we definitely will:-)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds and looks fab! My hubby is a pizza fan so must make a note to visit here next time we are in Melbourne. :)
ReplyDeleteHaha! I do hope Josiah knew you were posting a photo of him on your blog! Sweet sibling revenge :) I love Melbourne and all the different types of wonderful restaurants! Guancia sounds amazing!
ReplyDelete@Grace HA! Yes, he knew. I'm sure he loved it. I bought the Melbourne entertainment book for our trip and we barely scratched the surface. There's so many options there. It's overwhelming.
ReplyDelete@The Plumbette I think it's my husbands favorited food. He was stoked when I suggested it instead of a fine dining date.
ReplyDeleteWe were staying so close to the crown but wanted to go to the original one. Good to know the Crown is kid friendly. We might end up there next time we are in Melbourne...that time could not come any more quickly!
ReplyDelete@TeganMC I saw a woman come in and leave with two takeaway boxes so you must be able to do that option at 400 Gradi too. How nice for the locals.
ReplyDeleteHugzilla, I think that Kylie is missing out not having my brother as her mascot or something strange like that.
ReplyDelete@Malinda My sister inlaw used to be a nanny. Get in touch with me if you need her to baby sit while you are there :)
ReplyDelete@EssentiallyJess They have a spicy pepperoni on the menu just for you, I swear!
ReplyDelete@Toni I'm hoping I get to go to that BBQ too but haven't been told yet if I got the allowance for the flight. I'd have to figure out where to stay and how to get around by myself. Daunting thought.
ReplyDelete@Jess Do it! And then tell me if I was right or wrong!
ReplyDeleteWe found a pub over here that has a massive play area and fenced off fish pond so we were able to have a happy dinner last night with our toddler, but the quiet ones with out him are so much more enjoyable. I can really focus on each wonderful mouthful of food...
ReplyDelete@HandbagMafia We have good taste I guess? hehe
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