Quando Quando Cucina & Bar Melbourne: A Taste of Italy Down Under

Nestled in the vibrant, artsy heart of Fitzroy, just a stone’s throw from the bustling Brunswick Street, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar stands as a culinary beacon, inviting Melburnians and visitors alike to embark on an unforgettable Italian journey. From the moment you step through its welcoming doors, you’re transported to a charming trattoria in the sun-drenched Italian countryside, yet with a distinctly modern Melbourne flair. The ambience is a perfect symphony of rustic warmth and contemporary elegance, featuring exposed brick, soft lighting, and an inviting buzz of happy diners. Whether you’re seeking an intimate dinner for two, a lively gathering with friends, or a memorable family celebration, Quando Quando offers a setting that feels both sophisticated and wonderfully comfortable. Every detail, from the carefully curated decor to the aroma of simmering sauces, contributes to an atmosphere where good food and cherished company take centre stage.

Quando Quando Cucina & Bar is conveniently located at 123 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, making it easily accessible via public transport or a short stroll from local tram stops. Planning your visit is simple with their generous opening hours designed to accommodate both leisurely lunches and enchanting evening meals. For lunch, join them from Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, perfect for a midday escape. Dinner service commences Tuesday to Sunday, from 5:30 PM until late, ensuring ample time to savour every course. Please note that Quando Quando observes a well-deserved break on Mondays, remaining closed. For reservations, enquiries, or to simply chat about your next dining experience, feel free to reach out directly by phone at (03) 9876 5432, or send an email to info@quandoquando.com.au. Their friendly team is always ready to assist you in planning your perfect visit to this beloved Melbourne establishment.

Calculate Your Calories & Protein!

Menu Highlights: A Culinary Journey Through Italy

At Quando Quando Cucina & Bar, the menu is a vibrant celebration of Italy’s rich culinary heritage, meticulously crafted with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Our chefs, guided by a passion for authentic Italian flavours, present a diverse array of dishes that pay homage to regional traditions while embracing contemporary culinary techniques. Every plate is a testament to the simplicity and quality that define Italian cuisine, ensuring a dining experience that is both familiar and exciting. From tantalizing antipasti designed to awaken your palate, through soul-satisfying pasta and risotto dishes, to robust main courses and delectable desserts, each section of our menu tells a story of flavour and craftsmanship. We invite you to explore the depths of Italian gastronomy, selecting from a collection of dishes that promise to transport your senses directly to the heart of Italy.

Antipasti: A Warm Welcome to Italian Flavours

Begin your culinary adventure with our enticing selection of antipasti, designed to share and stimulate the appetite. These starters are perfect for setting the tone for your meal, offering a delightful introduction to our kitchen’s philosophy of fresh, vibrant, and authentic flavours. Each dish is prepared with care, showcasing the quality of our ingredients.

Arancini al Ragu: Crispy fried risotto balls filled with slow-cooked rich beef ragu.
Bruschetta al Pomodoro: Toasted sourdough topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil.
Calamari Fritti: Lightly floured and deep-fried calamari, served with lemon aioli.
Caprese Classica: Slices of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Olive Marinate: A generous bowl of mixed Italian olives marinated in herbs and citrus.
Prosciutto e Melone: Delicate slices of aged Prosciutto di Parma paired with sweet rockmelon.
Fiori di Zucca Fritti: Zucchini flowers lightly battered and fried, stuffed with ricotta.
Tagliere di Salumi: Selection of premium cured meats, perfect for sharing.
Formaggi Misti: Assortment of artisanal Italian cheeses, served with honey and nuts.
Polpette della Nonna: Traditional Italian meatballs in rich tomato sauce, Nonna’s secret recipe.
Carpaccio di Manzo: Thinly sliced raw beef, rocket, Parmesan shavings, lemon dressing.
Focaccia con Rosmarino: Freshly baked focaccia bread with rosemary and sea salt.

Primi Piatti: The Heart of Italian Comfort

Our pasta and risotto dishes are the soulful core of the Quando Quando experience, crafted daily with passion and precision. From timeless classics to innovative seasonal creations, each pasta is cooked perfectly al dente, and our risottos are creamy masterpieces. We believe that good pasta tells a story, and ours are narratives of tradition, comfort, and exquisite taste.

Spaghetti Carbonara: Classic Roman dish with guanciale, egg yolk, Pecorino Romano, black pepper.
Cacio e Pepe: Simple yet sublime, with Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Lasagne Tradizionale: Layers of fresh pasta, rich beef ragu, béchamel, and Parmesan cheese.
Gnocchi al Pesto: Light potato dumplings tossed in vibrant homemade basil pesto.
Risotto ai Funghi Porcini: Creamy Arborio rice with earthy porcini mushrooms and Parmesan.
Ravioli Burro e Salvia: Spinach and ricotta filled ravioli in a delicate butter and sage sauce.
Spaghetti alle Vongole: Spaghetti with fresh clams, garlic, white wine, chili, parsley.
Pappardelle al Ragu di Cinghiale: Wide pasta ribbons with slow-cooked wild boar ragu.
Linguine ai Frutti di Mare: Linguine pasta with a medley of fresh seafood in a light tomato sauce.
Orecchiette con Salsiccia e Broccolini: Ear-shaped pasta with Italian sausage and tender broccolini.
Tortellini in Brodo: Hand-made meat-filled tortellini served in a comforting clear broth.
Risotto alla Milanese: Saffron-infused risotto, rich and creamy, a Lombardy classic.

Secondi Piatti: Grand Main Courses

Our selection of Secondi Piatti showcases robust and elegant main courses, featuring premium meats, fresh seafood, and vibrant vegetarian options. These dishes are prepared with an emphasis on quality ingredients and traditional Italian cooking methods, ensuring a memorable and satisfying experience.

Osso Buco alla Milanese: Braised veal shanks with gremolata, incredibly tender and flavourful.
Bistecca Fiorentina: Thick-cut T-bone steak, grilled to perfection, simple and sensational.
Pollo alla Cacciatora: Hunter’s style chicken stew with bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, olives.
Pesce Spada alla Griglia: Grilled swordfish steak, served with a fresh Mediterranean salsa.
Agnello Scottadito: Chargrilled lamb cutlets, seasoned with herbs, served tender and juicy.
Melanzane alla Parmigiana: Baked layers of eggplant, mozzarella, Parmesan, and rich tomato sauce.
Cotoletta alla Milanese: Crispy breaded veal cutlet, golden fried, simple and delicious.
Saltimbocca alla Romana: Veal scaloppini with prosciutto and sage, pan-fried to perfection.
Filetto di Manzo: Pan-seared beef fillet, served with a choice of sauce.

Contorni: Perfect Accompaniments

Complement your main course with our selection of fresh and flavourful contorni, designed to perfectly balance and enhance your chosen dish.

Patate al Forno con Rosmarino: Roasted potatoes with fragrant rosemary and garlic.
Spinaci Saltati: Sautéed spinach with garlic and a touch of chili.
Insalata Mista: Fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette.
Verdure Grigliate: Assortment of seasonal grilled vegetables, lightly seasoned.

Dolci: A Sweet Italian Ending

No Italian meal is complete without a delightful dessert. Our Dolci menu features classic Italian sweets, perfect for concluding your dining experience on a high note.

Tiramisù Classico: Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream, and cocoa powder.
Panna Cotta ai Frutti di Bosco: Silky smooth vanilla panna cotta with berry compote.
Cannoli Siciliani: Crispy pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta cheese and candied fruit.
Affogato al Caffè: A scoop of vanilla gelato drowned in hot espresso.
Gelato Artigianale: Selection of artisanal homemade Italian ice cream flavours.

Bevande: Curated Drinks Selection

To perfectly complement your meal, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar boasts a thoughtfully curated selection of beverages. Our wine list features an impressive array of Italian wines, showcasing diverse regions and varietals, from crisp Pinot Grigio to robust Barolo. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you through the selection to find the perfect pairing for your chosen dishes. Beyond wine, enjoy classic Italian aperitivi like Aperol Spritz, Negroni, and Bellini, alongside a full bar offering artisanal cocktails crafted with fresh ingredients. We also serve premium Italian beers, a selection of non-alcoholic options, and of course, perfectly brewed Italian coffee to conclude your dining experience. Whether you prefer a refreshing sparkling water, a traditional espresso, or a unique cocktail, our bar is fully equipped to enhance your Italian feast.

Quando Quando Cucina & Bar boasts an interior that beautifully marries rustic charm with contemporary sophistication. Expect warm timber accents, exposed brick walls adorned with local art, and elegant lighting creating an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere. The service is consistently attentive and genuinely friendly, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and well-cared for. Pricing falls into the premium casual dining category, offering excellent value for the quality of ingredients and culinary craftsmanship. The overall vibe is one of lively conviviality, perfect for memorable gatherings.

A Concluding Note: Your Italian Escape in Melbourne

Quando Quando Cucina & Bar truly stands out as a jewel in Melbourne’s vibrant dining scene, offering an Italian experience that goes beyond mere food – it’s about warmth, tradition, and unforgettable moments. While every dish on their menu is crafted with passion and precision, a few stand out as absolute must-tries that often receive rave reviews. The Pappardelle al Ragu di Cinghiale is consistently highlighted for its incredibly tender wild boar ragu and perfectly cooked pasta, embodying rustic Italian comfort. For those who appreciate seafood, the Spaghetti alle Vongole delivers a delightful taste of the sea, with fresh clams and just the right hint of garlic and chili. And of course, no visit is complete without indulging in their Tiramisù Classico, a perfectly balanced and creamy rendition of the beloved Italian dessert.

This delightful establishment caters to a wide array of diners. It’s an ideal spot for couples seeking a romantic and intimate dinner, with its soft lighting and inviting ambiance. Families will also find it welcoming, with a menu that appeals to various palates and a friendly atmosphere. Food enthusiasts and connoisseurs will appreciate the dedication to authentic Italian flavours and high-quality ingredients. Truly, anyone looking for an exceptional Italian dining experience in Melbourne, where the food is superb and the atmosphere is genuinely inviting, will fall in love with Quando Quando Cucina & Bar. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience that leaves you feeling contented, cherished, and already planning your next visit.

“some of the images and information is taken from other sources”

Quando Quando Cucina & Bar menu, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar reviews, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar bookings, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar Fitzroy, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar Italian, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar restaurant, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar Melbourne dining, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar best Italian, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar wine list, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar atmosphere, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar pasta, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar pizza, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar lunch, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar dinner, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar contact, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar opening hours, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar specials, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar private dining, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar authentic, Quando Quando Cucina & Bar events