Rossi — Restaurant in Melbourne

We dined at Rossi to celebrate a special occasion—our friend’s farewell dinner before she moved overseas (booked on Thursday 17th October under Isobel).

We decided to choose Rossi for this important evening, even though it was above our usual budget. Initial impression when we arrived was oh wow this venue is lovely, the host was attentive and welcoming.

Unfortunately what came after was not so positive. Our experience was marred by the unpleasant behavior of our waiter, which left us feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome.

From the moment we sat down, the waiter’s demeanor was far from welcoming. He approached our table without any greeting, and instead of engaging with us politely, he simply stood there, waiting for us to place our order. When I requested some garlic aioli with my dish, he responded with a disdainful expression, saying “Garlic aioli???” as if it was an absurd request. Later, when my friend asked if she could have some rocket on her pizza, the waiter’s reaction made it seem as though we had made an unreasonable demand, responding, “Rocket? Okay, suppose I can organize that” as if we were asking for the world. Trying to make light of the situation I politely joked ‘Oh yeah I might as well ask for some pineapple on mine’ knowing that this is a sin to an Italian man. Oh well I quickly regretted my attempt at a joke as ‘I was told if you ask for that, there is the door’.

Throughout the evening, we felt as though our requests, which were polite and reasonable, were met with disgust. When the food arrived, the pizza was handed to us on a hot plate rather than being properly placed on the table, and my friend’s pasta 47$ dish was brought out separately. When we tried to get his attention, he curtly told us to “just wait, it will be coming.” My friend then politely asked for some parmesan, to which he responded, “There is already enough cheese on it,” in a dismissive tone.

We had initially planned to enjoy Rossi’s renowned tiramisu and some drinks, but due to the uncomfortable atmosphere created by this waiter, we quickly finished our meal and asked for the bill (were only in the establishment for about 45 minutes). Even at this point, the waiter threw the bill onto the table, and when we needed the card machine, a different attentive and friendly staff member helped and asked if we were looking for the eftpos machine. The rude waiter quickly then scurried over with it, maybe he was hopeful we were going to leave him a tip. He plonked the eftpos machine on the table abruptly and moved on as to not encourage any other interaction with us. We quickly tapped the card and left, no thank you!

I want to emphasize that we were respectful and courteous throughout our visit, and having worked in hospitality myself, I understand the pressures of the job. However, this kind of attitude towards customers, especially on a special occasion, is unacceptable. After spending more than we would typically budget for a weekday dinner, we were left with a bitter taste in our mouths due to the poor service, despite the food being quite nice. It was disheartening, especially since it was our last evening with our friend before she moved overseas.

While we noticed that other staff members appeared friendly, I am left wondering why we were treated so poorly by this particular waiter. We couldn’t figure out if he was unimpressed by how we looked or how we were dressed, but we felt some sort of judgement from the outset. I never complain but was so shocked by what had happened that I informed the host on the way out, honestly in all my years I have never experienced such abuse. The host was apologetic and said he would feed it back to management.

I felt it was important to share our experience, as we were genuinely looking forward to a memorable night catching up before our goodbyes but instead spent the night rather upset and dwelling on our poor treatment.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope you will address this issue so that future guests can have the enjoyable dining experience we had...

Rossi honestly has my heart. No matter how many times I go, it always ends up being a night to remember—and I know it’s not just because of the company I’m with. There’s something about Rossi that makes it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cosy midweek dinner with a few friends or a big celebration. The first couple of times I dined here were intimate catchups over pasta and cocktails, but more recently, I’ve celebrated birthdays here—and let me tell you, Rossi truly shines when the table is full and the energy is high.

Dining here feels like stepping into an Italian supper club where the food is incredible, the music is up, and the vibe is effortlessly stylish. Imagine the feeling of being in a club—but instead of dancing, you’re sitting around a table laughing, eating, and soaking in the atmosphere. The music is always pumping, but thanks to the smart acoustic design of the space, you can still easily hold a conversation. It’s the kind of detail that shows just how considered the design really is.

Speaking of the interiors—Rossi is a visual feast. The fit-out is a study in modern Italian glamour. Think deep, dramatic reds, terrazzo textures, curved archways, warm ambient lighting, and custom joinery that wraps you in an atmosphere of moody sophistication. The space feels bold and elevated, but not pretentious—just the right amount of chic for a dinner that might slowly turn into a night out.

The drinks? Perfect. The cocktails are always on point and their wine list is solid, with plenty of Italian picks. And if you’re booking for a birthday, don’t miss their current offer—a complimentary bottle of Prosecco for the table. It’s a small touch that really adds to the celebratory mood.

As for the food, I’ve slowly been making my way through the menu and have yet to be disappointed. Their pizzas are exactly how you want them—wood-fired and authentically Italian. The pastas are great too, but the standout for me is the bay lobster spaghettini. It’s rich, delicate, and bursting with flavour. Just make sure you leave room for the tiramisu—served table-side from an enormous bowl, it’s easily one of the best in Melbourne and an experience in itself.

One important note for those with dietary requirements: Rossi can make all their pizzas gluten-free, which is a major plus. However, for those who are vegetarian or follow a halal diet, options are a bit more limited when it comes to pizzas—most of the meat toppings contain pork. That said, there are plenty of non-pizza items on the menu worth exploring, so you won’t go hungry.

All in all, Rossi is that rare spot that balances beautiful design, delicious food, and great energy—every single time. It’s quickly become one of my favourite places in Melbourne, and I’m already looking forward to the next celebration here. Honestly, I might even host my own birthday...

We recently dined at Rossi Restaurant in Melbourne, and it was an absolutely delightful experience. This place captures the European vibe in the best possible way, combining an elegant ambiance with exquisite flavors that transport you straight to a chic European restaurant.

What we had: 🫒 House-Marinated Mt Zero Olives ($12): We kicked off our evening with these wonderfully marinated olives, setting a deliciously flavorful tone. 🌿 Rosemary Focaccia ($14): This focaccia, served with aged balsamic vinegar, was a simple yet perfectly executed starter that quickly vanished from our table. 🥩 San Daniele Prosciutto ($15): an absolute staple. 🧀 Burrata ($30): A stunning dish featuring creamy burrata, beautifully paired with tomato coulis, marinated cherry tomatoes, and basil oil. Each component came together to create a fresh and visually appealing appetizer. 🍝 Bay Lobster Spaghettini ($49): This dish was a standout, with its rich tomato bisque, zucchini, chili, and bottarga enhancing the succulent lobster, offering a rich and indulgent flavor with every bite. 🍕 ROSSI DIAVOLA Pizza ($34): Truly a showstopper, topped with San Marzano sugo, fior di latte, salami, 'nduja, stracciatella, basil, and a touch of chili honey. The creamy stracciatella took this pizza to the next level. 🍰 Tiramisu ($19): The best tiramisu we’ve ever had, perfectly balancing the bold flavors of espresso with the creamy softness of mascarpone.

We paired our meal with some crisp Prosecco and rich Pinot Noir, which were perfect companions to the dishes. Rossi’s unique cocktail list also offered some enticing options that added an extra layer of sophistication to our meal.

The service at Rossi, led by the wonderful manager Vanya, was impeccable. The staff were warm, attentive, and made sure our experience was memorable, adding to the overall European charm of the evening.

Rossi Restaurant is not just a meal out; it’s a culinary journey. With its stylish decor and lush outdoor seating, it offers a serene escape akin to a restaurant somewhere in Europe, right in the heart of Melbourne.

If you’re craving an amazing dining experience, Rossi Restaurant is a must-visit. Its combination of fabulous food, elegant ambiance, and top-notch service make it a standout destination...