Delicious perfectly executed pasta and prawns, really making a difficult time special
They know how to make pasta sing!! The most simple of ingredients with the perfect amount of everything else and pasta cooked to perfection. I've never had a bad pasta dish here and the special on the night with prawns, cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, wine and olive oil was fresh, simple and yet so amazing at the same time. Staff are always super lovely and Jax is a star!! What better way to end the evening but with a selection pf sublime desserts - would go back just for those!! A true gem in the St Kilda streetscape of dining options..
Love everything about Cicciolina!
My partner and I both opted to try the pasta, he had the meatball ragu and I had the orecchiette. Both were super tasty and tasted authentically Italian.
Service is great too, staff are very friendly, hospitable and efficient. It's lovely sitting outside in the heart of St Kilda on a hot summer's evening.
Cicciolina is a must try when in the area or simply craving Italian!
gastronomic combinations that taste fantastic. I think it’s the best italian restaurant in Melbourne. Real gourmet stuff like brains, anchovy salad and anchovy pannacotta as well as your staple home made pasta and steaks.
Only downside is tables are cramped.
Superb! Food was unbelievable and so was the atmosphere. Good wine list and the service was impeccable. It’s the wrong side of town for me but I’ll definitely be back
Great food and service. To top it off, comfortable seating inside. I cant understand why restaurants have such uncomfortable seating but not this place.
friendly staff and awesome Italian cuisine, loved the risotto, never disappoints, a must visit whenever around st kilda. it's around the corner and can be easily missed
Love it!
A good traditional rustic Italian restaurant that is not always about pizza and pasta!
Came here on a Sunday Lunch, the place was packed. Waitress are so friendly and welcoming that it feels like home! Tuna Carpaccio are sooo goooood! so is the Venison! First time tryer TICKED!
Ordered a spaghettini with baby spinach, olive oil, garlic & chili. The taste is fine, just a lil bit greasy for me. The service is friendly. Cozy ambience.
From the minute we were welcomed by the delightful Irish waitress, we were made to feel very special. The service was superb and the food and wine outstanding. The soup was excellent and calimari and pAsta thee best we had in Melbourne. I would recommend highly fir a special lunch or dinner.
This restaurant it’s unbelievable! I came here in 2019 and I loved it! today, after few years ago, I found still operating and serving the most delicious food. Thanks to all the great and kind staff who make our experience beyond of good. I recommend 💯 percent
Beautiful authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of St. Kilda. Ordered the sardine pasta for mains and the tiramisu for dessert. Partner in crime went with the sticky pudding which also looked good. Fast and friendly service who made you feel at home. Highly Recommended.
![5]( "Recensione")
Upmarket vibes
As we walked up to Cicciolina I noticed a famous rapper from shepparton eating out the front. Good signs from the get go. We entered to a warmly lit area with some interesting artwork and a cosy feel.
First was 2 espresso Martinis which impressed us with quantity, the quality was on par. We started with the foccacia which had Gorgonzola and anchovy. It was amazing. Followed by the beef tartare which was a treat. Mains were 2 pastas and chips. I ordered the chips as I'm wary in nicer places that mains are generally smaller but these were proper servings which I enjoyed. My ragu pasta did no disappoint and the Mrs loved hers swimmer crab pasta.
The only constructive things I would add is that the hot chips could have been cooked a little longer until more crunchy and my swivel chair needed some wd40. It squeaked whenever I turned. But let's be honest you don't go out for a nice dinner for the hot chips.
Great meal overall but a bit expensive to have regularly. Expect to spend close to 200 for all that and a couple drinks. Good spot for a special occasion. Will be back.
Warren Tate Speaker Coach
+5
Love this place. A great pop in place before dinner at Cicciolinas or for a drink and nibbles, there is a great selection of share plates (the meatballs are amazing). They also have Bog and beer nights (bolognese and beer or wine). The staff are always friendly and you can choose from the main menu if you desire. Love the atmosphere. It’s easy to find, down the lane way behind the restaurant.
Such a great place to eat. Magnificent food, reasonably priced, and portions that were the perfect size for us. The waitress we had was fantastic (i wish i had asked her name) but all the staff were just as good, as i have this thing about watching how staff relate with all customers around the room. They know their job extremely well, and ours was friendly, switched on, and always one step ahead of what i was thinking. If i was the owner or manager of this restaurant i would be extremely proud of this professional team. Thank you for a most enjoyable evening, and i would happily eat there again, hopefully very soon.
I just moved to st kilda, I’m a huge foodie. So so glad I found this place. I went here with two friends, who like to try different restaurants with me. We were all so impressed. The food and wine was amazing. Beautiful venue too.
![5]( "Recensione")
Before COVID hit last year, I had the intention of dining at the famous Cicciolina in Acland Street. Sadly no. BUT...Great things come to those who wait! After my first day of employment after two years, I treated myself to lunch here.
A stalwart of St Kilda since 1993, booking is recommended in these post-COVID times, but if you are lucky, like me, walk-in seats might be available. Bookings can be made via their website and are the preferred method.
There is a lovely picket-fenced area outside or the moody, intimate indoor tables or private back area that seats 10-20 people to choose from.
Their menu offers modern and traditional Italian fare, using seasonal produce with V/GF options available. The servings are generous, tasty and prepared/cooked with passion and care. The prices are medium-high, but you get what you pay for - no issues here. They have a superb, renowned wine list, and the bar allows for the consumption of many cocktails and bar food.
Recommendations: [Only had entrees today - gives me an excuse to return for the mains and desserts - which looked amazing too!]
Cicc bread and butter (serves 2) $5 - still warm and crunchy, but oh so soft inside!
Tuna carpaccio, watercress, lime, baby capers, chargrilled sourdough $28.50 - melt in your mouth tuna. Be sure to eat a bit of everything together, and the pairing of these items will make sense!
Suggested accompaniment: Da Luca Prosecco DOC NV Veneto Italy $14 a glass - smooth, not acidic - divine [I had two glasses, but would have preferred a bottle].
Fritto misto – soft shell crab, calamari, zucchini, orange, green chilli, aioli (GF) - this was a 'special'. A large serve, best shared. An interesting selection of flavour profiles, which will delight your tastebuds.
These are hard-working restaurateurs, chefs and wait staff. There is limited time for chit-chat as they are so busy, whether it be their lunch or dinner sittings. They are also sincere and caring individuals who kept my computer glasses safe and sound after leaving them behind. Bless, and thank you.
I look forward to visiting again to complete my menu exploration.
Make a reservation
Order online
Find the best restaurant in Melbourne
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes