Roccella

East Melbourne’s dining crowd knows exactly where to land for serious Italian comfort. Roccella brings a buzzing, convivial energy. A masterclass in hospitality. The staff here treat you like old friends—crackling with charm and genuine warmth. Pasta purists point straight to the slow-simmered ragu and the profoundly rich seafood pasta. Others make the pilgrimage just for the colossal chicken parma, crowned with a unique cheese blend and flanked by impossibly fluffy fat chips. It’s all about abbondanza here. Generous plates of pillowy gnocchi. Authentic meatballs swimming in a robust, deeply savory sugo. Perfectly blistered pizzas. Whether grabbing a quick pre-event bite or settling in with a bold Shiraz and a shatteringly crisp custard cannoli, this Clarendon Street staple delivers. Flawless gluten-free options, too. Arrive hungry.