Gradi at Crown Melbourne — Restaurant in Melbourne

Wonderful Experience at Gradi on Saturday evening.

TLDR: staff were lovely, atmosphere was great, barramundi pizza is probably the best pizza I've eaten to date.

The staff were lovely, and very attentive. It's Moomba and the long weekend, so when things got really busy, they were spread more thinly, but this wasn't their fault (nor management's I suspect. They looked like they had staffed their roster v well given the amount of walk ins they allowed and therefore the level of inconsistency of client arrivals) and for the incredibly busy times (about 1-1.5 hour period while we were there) all staff were still very pleasant and helpful.

The barramundi pizza I had was fantastic, especially on a hot day. The cooked barramundi (thank you for not skimping on the amount!!) had been added after the pizza was cooked, so it wasn't 1) overcooked or 2) super hot. It meant I was able to taste the ingredients better than I would have if it were all really hot, and was a perfect temp for a hot evening. And the citrus gel and the crushed nuts took the whole thing to another level. The amount of oil and Stracciatella was wonderful too. There wasn't too much of either, so as you ate, you'd get these little moments of each flavour randomly hitting your palette: the smooth earthy oil, the creamy cheese mixture, the fresh rocket, the gorgeous barra, and the light citrus, all on a beautifully cooked pizza base.

We also had the focaccia con mozzarella as a starter; it was great and the garlic was beautifully sweet, but having a little more of the garlic (even on the side to add if we wanted?) might have been nice to cut through the fattiness of the cheese. Or maybe I should have added chili oil. My companions ordered the margherita with prosciutto, and the tartufata. Both looked wonderful. The Margherita was 'soggy' in the middle, but this is a key feature of pizza made using techniques from Naples. If you're like me, and not a huge fan of potential sogginess, consider either 1) ordering the 'in bianco' pizzas that have no sauce because they won't be soggy, or 2) order one with a tomato base and enjoy that one of the cool features of Neapolitan pizzas is the gradation of textures in the cooked dough. :-)

Thank you Gradi, I...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at the restaurant Gradi, where I was truly impressed by the exceptional service provided by the delightful waitress, Jessica. Her extensive knowledge of the menu and genuine care for our dining experience made our evening at Gradi truly memorable.

From the moment we were seated, Jessica exuded warmth and professionalism. She took the time to introduce herself, ensuring we felt welcomed and comfortable. Her friendly demeanor instantly put us at ease, setting the tone for an enjoyable evening ahead.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Jessica's service was her impressive knowledge of the menu. She effortlessly guided us through the extensive selection, providing insightful recommendations that suited our preferences perfectly. Her passion for the food was evident, as she enthusiastically described each dish's unique flavors and ingredients. Thanks to her guidance, we discovered several new and delicious dishes that we would have otherwise overlooked.

Throughout the evening, Jessica's attention to detail and attentiveness were exemplary. She anticipated our needs effortlessly, ensuring our glasses were never empty and our plates were cleared promptly. Her timing was impeccable, never intruding on our conversations yet always being available when we required assistance.

Furthermore, Jessica demonstrated an exceptional ability to accommodate our individual dietary requirements. She went above and beyond to ensure that our meals were prepared with the utmost care, taking into account our allergies and preferences. Her dedication to providing a personalized experience was truly commendable.

It is worth mentioning that Jessica's warm and friendly personality enhanced our overall dining experience. Her genuine interest in our satisfaction was evident throughout the evening, as she engaged in pleasant conversation, further adding to the enjoyable atmosphere at Gradi.

I highly recommend Gradi to anyone seeking a memorable Italian...

I found myself by recommendation of a friend at the Gradi Crown, where I was taken care of by Maeva and a number of the other lovely staff there.

I had a lovely reception here -- the bartender re-directed me to the host/ess stand, where I was sat swiftly and was promptly served with my order of a non-alcoholic Virgin Espresso Martini.

Maeva was very accomodating to my request for a touch more olive oil to go with my focaccia and polpette (meatballs). Absolutely delicious. These polpette were tender -- not too soft, and they had just enough of a textural bite!

The barramundi I'd ordered next was also quite lovely. The portion was flakey-tender, crispy pan-fried skin, and a delicate cauliflower mash to go with the amazing morsel, garnished with some fennel fronds on top!

(Edit: I was offered further drinks after finishing my Martini and dessert/drinks again after my meal, but the polpette/ focaccia and barramundi had me full -- and I know that I have a big appetite!!)

If I were to stay here in Melbourne for longer, this would be a place to regularly visit or book, as I imagine this place would fill quickly without a reservation from Thursday - Sunday nights.

Directions: I had wondered in from street/river side of the restaurant at around 2:13PM on a Thursday afternoon, as the Google Maps couldn't direct me properly from Flinders Street Station.

This will take you to the bar-side of the restaurant. If you'd like to dine in, you may need to swing around to the right of the bar and towards the end, and then to the left, finding yourself at the host/ess stand.

You will find yourself at the entrance, where you should be sat quite promptly. The staff here are...