Trulli/Trulli outdoors — Restaurant in Victoria

I first met Trulli's co-owner, Arturo, when he was selling delicious little Italian empanada-like pastries from a stall at the Foster market. We started chatting, and he told me that he was planning on opening a very authentic pizza restaurant with his partner in Meeniyan. Then, a little while later, while on holiday in Walkerville, I bought some sauce and pizza dough off him to use in our own woodfire oven. It's taken a while, but I've finally gotten around to eating at the restaurant, which has moved to bigger premises from the original Meeniyan location.

This is very authentic pizza, made with top-quality ingredients, and cooked to perfection in a woodfired oven. This is not Aussie-style pizza with the lot (not that there's anything wrong with that, by the way); instead we get a crisp, charred base with a small number of carefully selected toppings, served on a wooden board to help retain heat and crispness. There is a good range of red and white topped pizzas, and a couple of pastas and other main dishes as well. Some very fancy looking artisan desserts are available to follow. A couple of salads and starters (e.g., anti-pasto) round out the menu. The drinks list is small, but carefully chosen, with an interesting range of Italian and Australian beer and wine.

But it's all about the pizza here, and what Arturo and his chefs pump out in Meeniyan is as good as anything you can find anywhere in Melbourne. The restaurant itself is pretty big, with a very sizeable outdoor area. It's light, open, and very friendly. Service is attentive, quick, and efficient. Even in busy times, the pizza hits your table within minutes.

Trulli is a definite "must visit" if you ever find yourself in the town of Meeniyan. From what I observed, the business was doing well, and so it should. Pizza this good is...

We went there at 8 which was kind of late to arrive there - I must admit. Ordering mains and drinks worked out well. I really enjoyed the pizza. But then the Desaster began. It took us over an hour from wanting desserts until having it. The let us wait for over 20 minutes not even asking if we want dessert. So I had to walk up to the counter. Lady who then came was really unfriendly and was focusing on telling me how her awesome affogato was made. It ended up being the worst dessert I ever had and it was also not Italian what they pretend to be. So affogato was a ice-cream that tasted like anis (which I hate) but was supposed to be Tiramisu. Espresso was also not drinkable (was super acetous) which you would expect someone that pretends to be Italian could handle a coffee machine. Very very deep disappointment which really ruined the night for me. Last thing: we asked for a starter ended up getting something else that we ordered which was of course 25 bucks instead of 10 bucks what we ordered - next thing what was super unprofessional about this place.

Sorry not to follow other reviews but I simply had a very...

I've just arrived home after one of best community dinners to date.

I felt important to write here to commend your team, your restaurant and that amazing food.

From the moment we arrived, all 20 of us were greeted with warmth and welcome, big smiles and amazing service.

Paul and the beautiful women out front could not be more helpful or kind if they tried - we ended up buying half your lasagne take home packs and more.

The 3 courses were absolutely divine. Having grown up with european folks and beautiful antipasto and fresh food, we were so impressed with every meal that was presented with such love and care, information from Paul and the team and attention to detail right through the night.

It was just impressive at every turn.

Your chefs did an absolutely exceptional job and we will be returning again and again. They too were friendly, generous and the produce was next level.

Please congratulate and thank your whole team. We are all full and enjoyed every bite, atmosphere and the great people at Trullis.

Thanks so much...