EAT > Grill Americano, Sydney (18/20)

Sydney is not short of a serious steak. There seems to be a grill on almost every corner of the CBD, so it takes a certain confidence to bring another one up the Hume. Grill Americano has been the Melbourne banker's favourite since it opened on Flinders Lane in 2022, and Chris Lucas has…

ByLexi PlexityOctober 10, 20260Comments

EAT > AUSTRALIA EAT > MELBOURNE EAT > VICTORIA WHERE TO EAT >

EAT > Roma, Melbourne (16/20)

Melbourne lives and breathes Italian food, (Florentino, Grossi, Il Solito Posto, Il Bacaro, Distasio Cita, Trattoria Emilia, Tippo 00, Grill Americano and the list goes on) so it takes a certain nerve to open yet another Italian restaurant in the CBD and insist it is something different. Roma does exactly that. Tucked into the courtyard…

ByCrispinOctober 8, 20260Comments

ALMANAK REVIEW > DELMONTE, Carlton 16/20

EAT > AUSTRALIA EAT > MELBOURNE EAT > VICTORIA WHERE TO EAT >

EAT > Delmonte, Carlton (16/20)

On the corner of Lygon and Faraday streets, in the ground-floor space that housed the beloved King & Godfree deli for more than a century, Delmonte has arrived: a glamorous Italian wine room built by hospitality entrepreneur Jamie Valmorbida on the bones of his own family's history. There's a particular kind of pressure that comes…

ByCrispinSeptember 15, 20260Comments

EAT > JAPAN EAT > TOKYO WHERE TO EAT >

EAT > Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura, Ginza, Tokyo (17/20)

High above Ginza’s polished sidewalks, Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura feels less like a fashion-house spin‑off and more like a jewelled little universe of its own—part salon, part stage, part lucid dream in Gucci green. Here Italian technique, Japanese produce and a distinctly theatrical sense of storytelling converge into a tasting menu that is playful, polished…

ByCrispinDecember 22, 20250Comments

DRINK > PARIS

DRINK > Cicchetti, Paris (14/20)

In the bustling 2nd arrondissement of Paris, Cicchetti is an Italian Tapas Wine Bar. Confused? Don't be. The concept of Cicchetti or Italian tapas, are small plates meant to be shared, originating from Venice and just the thing to complement that bottle or two of wine you are likely to explore with friends.…

ByEd ItorOctober 28, 20240Comments

EAT > OSAKA

EAT > Mitsuyama, Osaka

A wander around the neighbourhood and looking into a doorway we discovered Mitsuyama, but they were booked out for dinner so we decided to commit and book for the following evening, a decision that turned out to be outstanding. It is a small restaurant, our party of five were the only diners this night but…

ByCrispinApril 4, 20240Comments

EAT > TOKYO

EAT > Fujimaru, Osaka

Osaka is well known for its street food, with 222 listings in the Michelin Guide (3 for 3 star, 9 for 2 star and 80 for 1 star) you know that they are serious about food. But what about wine, well that is a little harder to find, especially if like us on…

ByEd ItorApril 4, 20240Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Tedesca Osteria, Red Hill Victoria

The moment you park your car and wander down into the white buildings of Tedesca Osteria and Graceburn House you realise you are visiting something special. The front door is an enormous piece of wood with remarkable carved handle. The room opens into a space immediately comfortable, stylish and fresh. …

ByCrispinFebruary 27, 20240Comments

EAT > ROME WHERE TO EAT >

EAT > Per Me, Rome (19/20)

Chef Giulio Terrinoni started his career in his home town of Fiuggi (about an hours drive to the east of Rome), his family owned a restaurant and he grew up around food and service. He moved to Rome and quickly built a career working in great restaurants learning from different chefs. Chef…

ByCrispinSeptember 5, 20230Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE WHERE TO EAT >

EAT > Trattoria Emilia (Melbourne)

Hidden away in a laneway, off another laneway you find Trattoria Emilia a traditional Italian restaurant that makes you feel warm and alive the moment you enter. The restaurant is in Gills Alley, the location formerly home to another fine Melbourne restaurant Gills Diner. It is a wonderful space with high…

ByEd ItorMay 10, 20230Comments