Geppetto Trattoria — Restaurant in Melbourne

Geppetto Trattoria: Like a Night Out With an Italian Charmer

Walking into Geppetto Trattoria on one of Melbourne’s first cold, rainy nights felt a lot like stepping into the best kind of date — the Italian kind. The second we arrived, the weather outside didn’t matter. The restaurant was warm, welcoming, and full of life, and just like a pair of twinkling blue eyes across a table, it pulled me right in.

We were greeted by the most charming young Italian waiter, who had our whole table laughing within minutes. We'd all come in with firm ideas about what we were ordering, having studied the menu like homework — but once he read out the specials, everything changed. Suddenly, it was impossible to stick to the plan.

The menu at Geppetto’s is brilliant, a mix of old-school Italian favourites and crowd-pleasers, with something for everyone. And somehow, even the foccacia managed to be a standout. How does a restaurant make something as simple as foccacia so memorable? I’m still thinking about it.

Other highlights: the calamari entree was off-the-hook good — tender, crisp, and full of flavour. The lamb shank special, served with a creamy risotto, was indescribably good — the kind of dish you silently thank the chef for after every bite.

And then there’s dessert. The pannacotta was the hands-down winner, silky and perfectly set, with the tiramisu coming in a very close second.

Our drinks waiter, Alice, originally from Florence, was just as wonderful — funny, warm, and full of stories. You could tell the team genuinely loved what they were doing, and it made the night even better.

The wine list has a great balance of Italian classics and local gems. I made a mental note to save the “special” wine list for another time — maybe when I really am dining with my Italian amore.

Geppetto Trattoria isn’t just dinner; it’s a wonderful experience you won’t...

Nestled in the charming area of Wellington Parade in Melbourne, Geppetto Trattoria offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home. The rustic, yet contemporary decor blends traditional Italian elegance with a modern flair, setting the stage for a wonderful dining experience.

The menu is a delightful homage to classic Italian cuisine, featuring a range of well-executed dishes from antipasti to pasta, mains, and desserts. The pasta is clearly a standout—perfectly cooked and with rich, flavorful sauces. The Pappardelle with slow-cooked lamb ragu is a must-try, offering a depth of flavor that's hard to match. The risotto is another highlight, creamy and beautifully balanced with seasonal ingredients.

Service is attentive and friendly, with staff well-versed in the menu and able to offer excellent wine pairings from their well-curated selection. It’s clear they take pride in creating a memorable dining experience, from the warm welcome at the door to the seamless service throughout the meal.

For dessert, the Tiramisu is a crowd-pleaser—light, airy, and with just the right balance of coffee and sweetness. The Affogato is also a great choice, offering a perfect end to a satisfying meal.

Overall, Geppetto Trattoria offers a superb Italian dining experience in a cozy yet refined setting. Whether you’re there for a casual meal with friends or a more intimate dinner, you can expect quality food, great service, and a relaxed atmosphere. Highly recommended for anyone craving authentic Italian flavors...

Can safely say that this little gem has been added to our list of favourite restaurants! The cosy and warm ambience sets the tone upon walking through the door; clean, simple and traditional, and that's how we knew we'd be in for a treat. It was a Thursday date night, so we started off with the Espresso Martini and I could have had 2 or 3 more it tasted so good, but it was a school night and I decided to keep it classy. Nino's Antipasto was a no-brainer- it had all things yummy and why wouldn't you want to taste a bit of everything? It was the perfect starter, very flavoursome and put the pressure on me to up my cooking game at home (I am working on it!). Hubby then opted to have the seafood spaghetti and I chose the braised goat, and by then there was no conversation between us because we were smashing down that food like it was nobody's business! Accompanied by a smooth shiraz, we were in foodie's Heaven and I didn't want to leave. Serving portions are quite generous, you won't go hungry. But there is ALWAYS room for dessert, so it was the house baked ricotta cheesecake (this was Sicily on the palette, so good!) and the poached pear which was just as tasty. The service was very friendly and accomodating- the staff are very polite and make you feel at home. We will definitely be back to try everything else on the Menu because it would be a real...