Food:
Very Good
Presentation: Good
Service:
Good
Ambience:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Price:
Good
Recommendation:
Steak
Authentic Restaurant. No fuzz but good food
Wonderful food, absolutely fresh, imaginative and cooked with care; the in-house pasta is delightful, crustacea fresh and cooked perfectly, the pheasant with a hint of cumquat delightful. Thoroughly recommended!
In my never-ending search for a dining experience that can transport the mind instantaneously, I was lucky enough to come across Masani.
As you approach Masani you are taken back in time over 100 years. Whether you notice the stunning window glazing of the former Carlton Club, the warm wood-log fire through the window, or if you have a keen eye for detail you may have also noticed the four Kangaroo-like sculptures on the facade of the historic building.
Just as the building exemplifies Carlton's rich history, after talking with Head Chef Richard Masani and enjoying his food you’ll find out that his cooking is inspired by classical and regional Italian dishes from his origins and personal history. This is soul food in its true form. Masani expresses the passion that he has for food, his culture and his family in every dish.
Masani’s is not only about the food. Richards daughter Kara, an award-winning sommelier, matches wines to Richards food like no other could. This combination of culinary expertise is what sets Masani’s apart from so many of the other Italian restaurants in Melbourne and is a must try destination for any food lovers journey.
Its so nice to see one of Melbourne's finest keeping up the standards we have been used to for over thirty years. Masani is what Carlton used to be with a touch of class. It can be a simple pasta dish or a more complex dish , all executed to perfection. This coupled with one Australia's most experienced sommelier will deliver an experience that is unforgettable.
Save this dinning experience for special celbration or just a night out either will remain in your memory. It is without question a touch of class without a bank loan required.
You cant expect this level quality and not expect to pay a little more, there are lots of $15-$28.00 options in Lygon street but that's what you will get $15-$28 worth. The sommelier/waitress recommended a bottle Torres Celeste Tempranillo at $82.00 and I can tell you that's far better value than I have had in more well known establishments with far more expensive wines. The service excellent polite, perhaps a little over servicing but not intrusive.
My only criticism is perhaps the servings could be a little more, that said my Fegato Antra was excellent as was the Pork Otway.
Thank you for a truly great and comfortable evening, my business associate was very impressed as well, I will be back soon.
Another great meal at Masani. Terrific crostini, very fresh oysters, great seafood spaghetti and an excellent steak. Very good wine recommendations and all of this is a wonderful old school elegant (but not formal setting). Add to that some of the best service in Melbourne and this is what old school Carlton used to to be about. Yes, it is a bit expensive but if you want a relaxing meal where you can sit back, confident that the recommendations will be spot on and the food wonderful, this is the place.
Went for dinner here the other night and I was pretty impressed. The restaurant was not busy, but nonetheless, the service was great. Quite a few specials on the menu, including the kangaroo parpadelle, which was beautifully slow cooked and delicious. Masani has a good wine list that pairs with the food options well. While the cost per person might be slightly high, the quality of food is very good.
The food is good and the staff are friendly. The wine list is of special note, some very interesting options to choose from. I certainly recommend talking with the sommelier who is incredibly knowledgeable and will be able to point out some great wines.
After wandering around Lygon St for a half an hour trying to work out what we wanted for our wedding anniversary dinner we randomly settled on Masani and ended up having a very enjoyable evening.
While not budget level ($40-$45 for a main and $15-$20 for dessert) the quality of the food was excellent. I had the "signature" fish stew which was reminiscent of bouillabaisse, but actually much better than anything I had while living in Marseille - the flavours were much more subtle and fresh. The veal (according to the other half of the party) was a little on the salty side for her liking, but otherwise extremely tasty. The wine list was extensive, but as with the food was not on the cheap side. Unlike some of the other reviews on this site we found the service to be excellent - attentive but not overly so. We'd definitely chose to come back again.
Great family run business. Just a work function here. Staff were extremely accommodating and obliging. Food was exceptional and wine very good.
Another fantastic meal at this restaurant - we've been coming here 10 years and I can honesty say I've never had a bad course (let alone a meal!!)
Today my wife and I had oysters and masala duck livers for an entree followed by the goat (for me) and barramundi for her. Sides of arugula,pear Parmesan salad and avocado/kumato .
A couple of glasses of the mascarto and we can say it's all good.
Love the place
Love the food
Love the people
A beautiful night in a beautiful restaurant, the service was outstanding thanks to Kara for making it such a personal experience, the food was honest rustic and delicious, the wine was another level especially the amazing (& very long) list to choose from which was brilliantly backed up with a world of knowledge & good advice from Kara yet again & the company wasn’t bad either. All in all it was a perfect night, what more can you ask for?
Honestly the best Italian food I have ever eaten. Great service and friendly staff. Have visited a couple of times now. Would definitely recommend if you enjoy Italian food and a warm atmosphere.
One of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne for sure 🤌🏻 highly recommended, fresh and tasty.
An elegant gem of culinary expertise.
A wine list that will knock your socks off. Brilliant service by talented professionals. Prawn entree was a highlight.
Definitely recommend this place if Italian fine foods are your thing, and if they're not try it anyway because they'll change your mind.
A great experience and I'll be returning soon for more.
Best pasta I’ve ever eaten. Such wonderful service! Highly recommend!
I had driven and walked pasted a few times and noticed the stunning alfresco setting.
Then on a Sunday afternoon I ran into Richard the owner and he was lovely. With a tough few years due of Covid I knew I had to go and support my local.
Richard was the ultimate host.
The food was a breath of fresh air.
The wine was on point and well paired with my meal.
The zucchini flower starter was thoughtfully dressed.
The ragu was al dente, the meat falling apart and all was well seasoned.
Somehow Masani felt like home and I’m not Italian…..
An excellent meal: very generous portions, an ever changing menu, they very generously accommodated a special request for desert. Best of all, the service has an old world charm mixed with a homely touch. I always look forward to my next visit.
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