Risotto Heaven - Vicolo Cafe & Risotto Bar

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Vicolo.

While good Italian restaurants seem nearly ubiquitous in Melbourne, good Italian restaurants serving perfectly cooked risotto are not. Fortunately for us, there’s Vicolo Cafe & Risotto Bar, the Moonee Ponds restaurant serving delectable dishes and inspiring risottos.

A selection of starters 

The starting plates at Vicolo are meant to be shared, providing ample opportunity to try several dishes. A favourite was the polpette, a recipe by owner, Maria Larosa’s nonna. 

Risotto Anatra

Braised duck, porcini mushrooms, caramelised onion, roast garlic, sage & pecorino

The Risotto Anatra was irresistible. Served with tender braised duck and earthy porcini mushrooms, the risotto had a beautiful depth of flavour. 

Risotto Nero

Squid ink risotto with calamari, roast garlic & parsley

The rice in the risotto was puffy and al-dente and, coupled with generous amounts of tender squid pieces and a jet black squid ink broth, was rich and headily flavoured.  

Our evening at Vicolo concluded on a sweet note. Both our desserts of sticky date pudding and ricotta cheesecake were delicious.  

Quietly tucked away in Young St, Vicolo is Moonee Ponds Best Kept Secret. The restaurant offers a relaxing family environment and a menu that captures the traditional flavours of Italy and in particular, perfectly prepared and authentic risotto.

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Vicolo Cafe & Risotto Bar.