Scopri Italian Food and Wine — Restaurant in Melbourne

Scopri is rapidly becoming a member of that small band of restaurants that form part of the deeply ingrained clique of Melbournes elite dining psyche; I'm thinking of places such as Attica, Vue de Monde, Flower Drum, and so on. It's not as expensive as any of those places, but it offers a dining experience that is quintessentially Melbourne. It's pretty simple really; you don't become the #1 ranked Melbourne restaurant on TripAdvisor for nothing. The next time I'm hosting an international visitor to our fine city, this is the place I'll be taking them.

Scopri ticks every box, in spades. About the only thing it doesn't have is a sweeping vista to look out on, or a waterfront aspect. Can't have everything, I suppose, and you know what they say about the inverse relationship between views and food quality.

My family and I dined here recently for my wife's birthday. There were five of us. My positive impressions of Scopri started even before we arrived. Their booking and pre-arrival service is the best I've ever experienced. I find it hard to see how anyone could muck up a booking here; they are very thorough.

Scopri is not a big restaurant, but it's beautifully appointed and stylishly laid out. Lighting, tables, cutlery, and all other dining accoutrements are spot on and have been carefully thought through.

The second you walk through the door you are swept up in excellent service. Our waiter was Patrick, and he has legendary status here. His efficiency, charm, and ability to read the mood of the table and react accordingly was testimony to his years of experience and his love of providing a great dining experience. This is a waiter who you end up tipping generously.

How many fine restaurants in Melbourne still offer BYO? Scopri does. Yes, there is corkage, and so there should be. I thought it was perfectly reasonable. We took four bottles of excellent wine, which were treated well by the staff, including decantering the 2009 high country red. Some of us are old enough to remember the glory days of Melbourne BYOs where just about everywhere allowed you to bring whatever you wanted, with little or no corkage. Sadly, those days are gone, but I like Scopri's approach; I reckon we saved at least $100 by bringing our own wine, although that didn't stop us from enjoying a cocktail or two, including a head bursting centerbe (70% alcohol) that knocked my head off.

But then there's the food! And what food it is. Flavours, technique, and presentation are all perfect, and--here's a surprise--portion sizes are very generous. I was planning on working my way through an antipasti, a pasta, and a main, but was warned off, and I'm glad I was! The pasta here is probably the best I've eaten. Everything is made in-house, and my gnocchi with lamb ragu was exquisite. I also tried my wife's rabbit agnolloti and would have loved to have been able to share the whole plate with her. My main of stuffed deboned spatchcock is a very tricky dish, but here it was executed perfectly; juicy and flavoursome. Desserts followed--just as good--along with a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday". Oh, and did I mention their amazing house baked sourdough bread? The perfect accompaniment for the delicious sauces from the pasta and mains.

Scopri is purely and simply a great Melbourne dining experience. Long...

Scopri Italian Food and Wine in Melbourne is a culinary gem that truly captures the essence of Italian cuisine. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted with warm hospitality and an ambiance that transports you to the heart of Italy.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Scopri is its commitment to authenticity. Each dish is crafted with care, using only the finest ingredients sourced locally and imported from Italy. Whether you're indulging in their homemade pasta, savoring a wood-fired pizza, or enjoying one of their delectable seafood dishes, you can taste the dedication to quality in every bite.

The menu at Scopri is a celebration of traditional Italian flavors, but with a modern twist. Each dish is expertly executed, showcasing the creativity and skill of the chefs. From classics like spaghetti carbonara to innovative creations like truffle-infused risotto, there's something to tantalize every palate.

One standout feature of Scopri is its extensive wine list, curated to complement the flavors of the food perfectly. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or just beginning to explore the world of Italian wines, the knowledgeable staff is always on hand to offer recommendations and ensure you find the perfect pairing for your meal.

But it's not just the food and wine that make Scopri special—it's the overall dining experience. The restaurant itself is stylish and inviting, with a cozy yet elegant atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Whether you're dining with friends, family, or that special someone, Scopri provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion.

The service at Scopri is also top-notch, with attentive staff who go above and beyond to ensure your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment you're seated to the final bite of dessert, you'll be treated with the utmost care and attention, making you feel like a valued guest every step of the way.

Another highlight of dining at Scopri is the attention to detail. From the presentation of each dish to the thoughtful touches throughout the restaurant, it's clear that every aspect of the dining experience has been carefully considered. Whether you're admiring the artwork on the walls or marveling at the intricately folded napkins, you'll appreciate the thought and care that goes into every aspect of your visit.

In addition to its regular menu, Scopri also offers a variety of special events and tasting menus, giving guests the opportunity to explore new flavors and experiences. From wine tastings to themed dinners, there's always something exciting happening at Scopri, making each visit a unique and memorable occasion.

Overall, Scopri Italian Food and Wine in Melbourne is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates authentic Italian cuisine, impeccable service, and a dining experience that delights the senses. Whether you're a local looking for your new favorite restaurant or a visitor seeking a taste of Italy in the heart of Melbourne, Scopri is sure to exceed your expectations and leave you...

Third time dining, first bad experience. Food as usual very good although the wagyu was underwelming. However it was the service that was not only disappointing but rude. Table of 6 plus a 5 month old (pram) 5:30pm sitting on a Thursday. Half our party arrived on time (overseas guests) and were asked shortly after arrival that they should place their order before we had even arrived. We arrived with our 5 month old at 5:40pm with no space for our pram as requested. They did squeeze it in, hastily. Our waiter was nice and friendly however it was the maître d who ruined our otherwise good night. Although he was not serving us he made it known at 7:20pm that we needed to be out as it was a 2 hour sitting. Insisting that we should have known of such in our confirmation email or call. Having mostly finished our mains we felt the way he went about moving us on was rude, arrogant and abrupt and I doubt he used that language to other patrons.

Further, when he came back and we advised that we weren't happy with the way he was pushing us to leave. He did not apologise but went on to mention that our table was meant for a party of 7 and he had to switch the tables around to accommodate them. I highly doubt that our table could accommodate 7 when it could hardly accommodate 6. Further cementing his rude attitude. We hastily ordered our desserts and our waiter kindly offered us coffee (clearly embarrassed but his maître d's rudeness) but we declined under the pressure of the maître d. We shouldn't have to feel that pressure and rudeness in such a place where we are paying $80 a head. It was embarrassing to our international guests and not the high end Melbourne dining experience we were expecting. There's a way to convey haste and time constraints then there's straight up arrogance and rudeness. A maître d is meant to make you feel welcomed which was the opposite to what we received. We were out the door by 7:45pm. No one was waiting around for our table. Terribly...