Cucina Toorak - Italian Restaurant Est.2022 — Restaurant in Melbourne

If you’re looking for the best Italian food in Melbourne, CUCINA in Toorak is the place to be. From start to finish, our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional.

We began with their standout pasta dishes. The TAGLIATELLE ALFREDO was a fresh and vibrant dish, with house-made pasta coated in local butter, parmesan, dill, and a touch of lemon zest—a simple yet perfect combination. Their TAGLIATELLE BOLOGNESE was rich and comforting, featuring a wagyu Bolognese sauce that was full of flavor. The RIGATONI ALL’ AMATRICIANA, made with guanciale, house-made Napoli sauce, and pecorino cheese, was a true taste of Italy—bold, savory, and absolutely delicious.

We also tried the grilled fresh fillet barramundi with chips, and it was fantastic. The fish was cooked perfectly—crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and paired wonderfully with golden, crunchy chips.

To end the meal, we indulged in their special tiramisu, which was simply divine. It was light, creamy, and packed with the perfect balance of coffee and sweetness—a true Italian classic done right. Paired with a doppio macchiato, the rich and smooth coffee was the ideal way to finish an incredible lunch.

The wine was excellent, complementing the meal perfectly, and the service was impeccable—the waitstaff were professional, attentive, and clearly well-trained. Their special lunch offer is fantastic value, making it even more tempting to come back soon.

CUCINA has mastered the art of authentic Italian cuisine, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best Italian dining experiences in Melbourne. Don’t miss out...

My partner and I had an exquisite dining experience at Cucina by Pasta Shop-Ristorante Italiano. The House-made Wagyu beef meatballs in the Gourmet Polpette, accompanied by Napoli sauce and Parmesan, were a delectable delight, perfectly seasoned and tender.

The Chef's Pick, Pappardelle ai Gamberi, delighted our taste buds with the harmonious blend of Australian prawns, cherry tomatoes, lobster bisque, and olive oil-kissed pasta. The Coffee Tiramisu provided a perfect sweet ending, with exceptionally smooth and fluffy cream that carried just the right level of sweetness.

Gabriele's recommendation of starting with the Isaac Artisan beer proved to be a harmonious choice, and the 2016 Pinot Noir from Red Hill, Australia, elegantly complemented the meal. The Vino Rossa from Ronchedone introduced us to a fruity sweetness initially, followed by a plum-acidic sourness that left a distinct and unique taste.

The warmth and hospitality of Gabriele and his staffs exceeded expectations, making the evening even more special. Their attentiveness and friendliness truly made the experience unforgettable, and I would easily rate the service 10/5.

In conclusion, our evening at Cucina was a remarkable culinary journey, made even more memorable by the exceptional service. We're already looking forward to returning!

And as the saying goes, "vino e amici sono meglio vecchi" – wine and friends are...

Snugly sat in the warm and inviting ambiance of this intimate restaurant, I leaned in and said to my husband, “they don’t serve food here, they serve love”.

You know the scene in Ratatouille when the critic takes his first bite and is transported? That’s how I felt taking my first bite and each that followed at Cucina Toorak. There are no words for the flavours and quality we encountered.

Regarding service, we both felt like we were dining with old friends in their home. The personal touch and attention to detail by Gabriele Piacentini (the owner) and his team just oozed class and warmth. They were intuitive too, going out of their way to make our experience memorable. Gabriele arranged for my husband to be served a large meatball with his main simply because through discussion Gabriele had learned my husband liked them! They also popped a candle on my husband’s desert when they learned it was his birthday, and they served us complimentary liqueurs!

We’ve experienced a broad range of restaurants over our lifetime, never have we experienced anything that comes close to...