Grossi Florentino Melbourne: A Deep Dive into Their Exquisite Seafood Mains Menu

Nestled in the bustling heart of Melbourne, Grossi Florentino stands as a timeless culinary beacon, a place where Italian heritage meets contemporary Australian flair. This iconic establishment, renowned for its grand ambience and impeccable service, invites diners into a world of sophisticated tastes and memorable experiences. Located at **80 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000**, it’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a journey through Italy’s rich gastronomic landscape, meticulously curated by Guy Grossi and his dedicated team. From its multi-level dining options, each offering a distinct vibe, to its historic charm, Grossi Florentino provides an unparalleled setting for any occasion, be it a celebratory dinner or an intimate culinary exploration. The restaurant’s commitment to excellence extends to every detail, from the crisp white tablecloths and refined decor to the exquisite wine list and, of course, the extraordinary menu.

Grossi Florentino offers varied dining experiences across its different sections. The main dining room, particularly, exudes a classic European charm, transporting guests to a bygone era of elegance. The atmosphere is one of refined luxury, yet surprisingly warm and inviting, making every visit feel special. Whether bathed in natural light during a leisurely lunch or aglow with intimate lighting for an evening affair, the ambience adapts, always promising an unforgettable setting. For those planning a visit, Grossi Florentino’s standard **opening hours** for the main restaurant are typically:
* **Lunch:** Tuesday to Friday, 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
* **Dinner:** Tuesday to Saturday, 6:00 PM – late

It’s always recommended to check their official website or call directly for the most up-to-date hours and to make a reservation, especially given its popularity. For **contact and reservations**, you can reach them at **(03) 9662 1811**. Grossi Florentino isn’t just about food; it’s about the entire sensory experience, a place where Melbourne’s vibrant energy meets Italy’s culinary soul, promising an escape into a world of flavour and sophistication right in the city center.

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Menu Highlights: A Culinary Journey Through Grossi Florentino’s Seafood Offerings

Grossi Florentino’s menu is a testament to the Grossi family’s passion for authentic Italian cuisine, meticulously crafted with the finest local and imported ingredients. While the entire menu is a masterpiece, their seafood offerings, particularly the mains, stand out for their freshness, innovative preparation, and profound depth of flavour. The chefs at Grossi Florentino treat seafood with the utmost respect, allowing the natural qualities of the ocean’s bounty to shine through, complemented by classic Italian techniques and a touch of modern artistry. Each dish tells a story, celebrating the pristine quality of Australian waters and the rich culinary traditions of Italy. From delicate starters to robust main courses, the seafood selections are designed to tantalise the palate and leave a lasting impression of culinary excellence. Here, we delve into the exquisite world of their seafood creations, showcasing a menu that promises an unforgettable dining experience for every seafood aficionado.

Oysters & Crudo Selection: The Ocean’s Purest Expression

Grossi Florentino begins its seafood narrative with a pristine selection of raw offerings, celebrating the unadulterated freshness of the sea. These dishes are a delicate overture, highlighting the natural flavours of expertly sourced seafood with minimal intervention, allowing their inherent quality to truly sing. The presentation is as exquisite as the taste, a true visual and gastronomic delight.

Natural Oysters, Kilpatrick, Mornay: Freshly shucked, served perfectly plain, or rich Kilpatrick/Mornay style.
Market Selection Oysters (each): Daily changing varieties, showcasing the freshest, most briny selections.
Sashimi Grade Tuna Crudo: Thinly sliced, dressed simply with lemon, olive oil, and sea salt.
Hiramasa Kingfish Crudo: Delicate slices, vibrant citrus marinade, hint of chili and herbs.
Scallop Crudo with Finger Lime: Sweet scallops, sharp citrus pearls, offering refreshing zest.
Ocean Trout Tartare, Calabrian Chilli: Finely diced, spicy kick, fresh herbs, exquisite texture.
Seafood Platter (for sharing): A grand assortment of chilled, pristine oceanic delicacies.

Antipasti di Mare: Evocative Seafood Starters

The seafood antipasti at Grossi Florentino are more than just starters; they are small works of art designed to awaken the palate. Each dish showcases a thoughtful combination of textures and flavours, blending traditional Italian concepts with the freshest seafood available, setting a magnificent stage for the courses to follow.

Seared Scallops, Jerusalem Artichoke Puree: Perfectly seared, creamy puree, subtle earthy sweetness.
Grilled Octopus, Salmoriglio Dressing: Tender, charred octopus, zesty herb and garlic marinade.
Fried Zucchini Flowers, Crab Mousse: Delicate blossoms, light batter, rich, savoury crab filling.
Calamari Fritti, Lemon Aioli: Crispy fried calamari, light batter, tangy house-made aioli.
Prawns al Cartoccio, Garlic, Chili: Steamed in parchment, bursting with aromatic garlic and spicy chili.
Mooloolaba Prawns, Agrodolce Sauce: Succulent prawns, sweet and sour glaze, delightful flavour contrast.
Sardine Escabeche, Toasted Sourdough: Marinated sardines, pickled vegetables, served on crusty bread.
Zuppa di Cozze e Vongole: Steamed mussels and clams, white wine, garlic, fresh tomato broth.

Handmade Pasta & Risotto: Seafood Masterpieces (Primi Piatti)

Grossi Florentino elevates pasta and risotto to an art form, especially when paired with the ocean’s bounty. The dedication to making pasta from scratch, coupled with a deep understanding of seafood, results in dishes that are comforting, sophisticated, and deeply satisfying. These are hearty and flavourful “mains” in their own right for many diners.

Tagliolini with Moreton Bay Bug: Delicate handmade pasta, sweet bug meat, rich tomato sauce.
Spaghetti alla Chitarra, Blue Swimmer Crab: Hand-cut spaghetti, succulent crab, hint of chili.
Risotto Nero with Calamari: Creamy black risotto, tender calamari, intense seafood flavour.
Paccheri with Swordfish Ragu: Large tube pasta, slow-cooked swordfish ragu, rich, comforting dish.
House-made Gnocchi, Scampi, Cherry Tomatoes: Pillowy gnocchi, sweet scampi, bright, fresh sauce.
Linguine al Granchio: Thin pasta, delicate crab meat, garlic, chili, fresh herbs.
Fregola Sarda, Mixed Shellfish: Sardinian pasta, mussels, clams, prawns, rich seafood broth.
Cappelletti, Prawns, Saffron: Delicate pasta parcels, sweet prawns, fragrant saffron cream.
Mushroom Risotto, Seared Scallops: Earthy mushroom risotto, perfectly seared, tender, sweet scallops.

From the Grill & Pan: Our Signature Seafood Mains (Secondi Piatti)

This section truly defines Grossi Florentino’s mastery of seafood mains. Each dish here is designed to showcase the inherent quality of the main ingredient, often prepared simply to highlight its natural flavour, yet executed with precision and an understanding of classic Italian culinary principles. These are substantial and refined dishes, perfectly embodying the essence of a main course.

Grilled Market Fish of the Day: Expertly grilled, served with seasonal vegetables and lemon.
Pan-Seared Barramundi, Caponata: Crispy skin, tender flesh, vibrant Sicilian vegetable medley.
Whole Roasted Snapper, Ligurian Olives: Slow-roasted, aromatic herbs, briny olives, moist and flavourful.
Chargrilled Swordfish, Salmoriglio: Thick cut, smoky flavour, tangy herb and garlic dressing.
John Dory Fillet, Brown Butter, Sage: Delicately pan-fried, nutty butter, aromatic sage leaves.
Grilled King Prawns, Garlic Butter: Large, succulent prawns, smoky char, rich garlic-herb butter.
Lobster Tail, Amalfi Lemon, Parsley: Sweet, tender lobster, bright citrus zest, fresh parsley.
Oven Baked Bluefin Tuna, Cherry Tomatoes: Perfectly cooked tuna, burst tomatoes, fresh basil.
Pan-Fried Flathead Fillets, Tartare Sauce: Golden brown, flaky fish, classic creamy tangy sauce.
Seared Ora King Salmon, Asparagus: Rich, buttery salmon, crisp-tender asparagus spears, simple elegance.
Spigola all’Acqua Pazza (Sea Bass): Poached in “crazy water” broth, delicate, aromatic, light.
Grilled Octopus with Potatoes: Tender grilled octopus, charred, served with roasted potatoes.
Crumbed Ling Fillet, Caper Butter: Crispy crumb, delicate ling, tangy, savoury caper butter sauce.
Pan-Seared Coffin Bay Scallops: Plump, sweet scallops, perfectly seared, minimal, elegant seasoning.

Grand Platters & Shared Experiences

For those who wish to indulge in a truly spectacular seafood feast, Grossi Florentino offers magnificent shared platters, perfect for special occasions or simply a lavish experience.

Grande Pesce Misto (Mixed Grill): A generous platter of various grilled seafood, perfect for sharing.
Lobster Thermidor (whole): Classic rich, creamy, decadent lobster dish, truly indulgent.

Contorni: Perfect Accompaniments

No meal is complete without thoughtfully prepared sides that complement the main dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience with fresh, seasonal produce.

Spinaci Saltati (Sautéed Spinach): Fresh spinach, simply sautéed with garlic and chili.
Patate al Forno (Roasted Potatoes): Crispy exterior, fluffy interior, rosemary and sea salt.
Asparagus with Parmigiano: Fresh, tender asparagus, grana padano, light olive oil dressing.
Mixed Leaf Salad, Balsamic: Crisp greens, light vinaigrette, fresh and palate cleansing.

Grossi Florentino’s interior is a breathtaking blend of old-world charm and refined elegance. Ornate ceilings, classic chandeliers, and dark timber panelling create a sophisticated and luxurious atmosphere. The service is exemplary; attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm without being intrusive, ensuring every guest feels pampered. Pricing reflects its status as a premier fine-dining establishment in Melbourne, offering exceptional value for the quality of ingredients, culinary artistry, and unparalleled service. The vibe is one of celebratory grandeur, perfect for special occasions, yet imbued with a welcoming Italian hospitality that makes every visit memorable.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Seafood Sojourn at Grossi Florentino Melbourne

Grossi Florentino Melbourne truly excels in delivering an unparalleled seafood dining experience, particularly through its exquisite mains. While every dish shines, the **Tagliolini with Moreton Bay Bug** stands out as a luxurious pasta dish, and the **Grilled Market Fish of the Day** consistently impresses with its focus on pristine quality and perfect execution. The **Whole Roasted Snapper** is another triumph, showcasing a reverence for traditional Italian preparation that allows the fish’s natural flavours to soar. This establishment is ideal for those seeking a memorable, high-end dining experience; perfect for celebrating special occasions, impressing business associates, or simply indulging in the finest Italian cuisine Melbourne has to offer. It’s a place for food connoisseurs, romantic dinners, and anyone who appreciates impeccable service, a grand ambience, and, most importantly, extraordinary food. In a city brimming with culinary talent, Grossi Florentino remains a cherished institution, offering a timeless escape into a world of sophisticated Italian flavours. Our mini-review? Simply sublime – a must-visit for any discerning diner.

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