Something Italian — Restaurant in Melbourne

My NDIS client and I have been regular customers at Something Italian for over two years, visiting more than 10 times. Sometimes we’ve enjoyed a full meal with drinks, entrees, mains, and dessert. Other times, we’ve kept it light depending on my client’s needs and dietary intake for the day—she is a small eater and receives NDIS support.

Last night, after a long day working as an additional needs teacher, we went to Something Italian for a light dinner. My client ordered a soup (it was a chilly 13°C) and I had a garlic focaccia with cheese. We both ordered a drink. The food, as always, was lovely. But when it came time to pay the $41.50 bill, I was shocked and saddened to be told by the manager that we were “not welcome back” because we didn’t spend enough money. He said he could have seated other customers who would have spent more. While the restaurant was busy, it wasn’t full—and after all the times we’ve dined there, it felt like we were being punished for not ordering more this one time. There is no mention anywhere on their website or in the venue that customers must meet a minimum spend.

This experience was incredibly disheartening—not just for me, but for my client. People with disabilities should feel welcomed and included in public spaces, especially restaurants they've supported loyally. It’s upsetting that a business would discourage us from coming back based solely on the size of our bill.

If you’re an NDIS client, a support worker, or simply someone who believes everyone deserves the right to access community spaces equally, I urge you to consider this experience before choosing to dine at Something Italian. This restaurant appears to value profit...

Wow, what a wonderful authentic Italian restaurant! We drove from Yarraville to catch up with our friend who lives in Malvern and had an excellent dinner.

Our waitress Violet was excellent throughout the evening - helpful and attentive (particularly with my friend who needed ice for her water).

We started off sharing two entrees - whitebait (one of the specials) and a garlic and mozzarella focaccia - both very generous portions and delicious.

Main courses we ordered were: (1) fish of the day - wow a whole fish cooked beautifully (2) risotto and (3) grilled calamari - wow, wow, wow, the grilled calamari was amazing - tender, tasty and just incredible - the best I have eaten in Australia.

Loved too that...

I was a walk in on a Wed night at 6pm and asked if I could get a quick meal and the staff member (bald guy) said 'really?' In a tone that indicated I was an inconvenience. At this stage there were only 2 tables of diners and he told me I could sit down the back if I were quick. I ordered the Veal Fungi and it was possibly the worst veal dish I had tasted. It was under seasoned and tasted watery. The whole dish had no flavour and didn't have any Italian traits whatsoever. I'll never go back. Over priced food from chefs that clearly cant cook...