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A Taste of the Mediterranean Without the Passport


Sun-soaked coastlines, ocean-fresh seafood, slow-roasted meats and zesty herbs - the Mediterranean has long held the key to simple, vibrant and utterly satisfying dining. Thankfully, you don’t need to hop on a plane to experience it. From Italy’s trattoria traditions to the communal feasts of Greece and the spice-kissed flavours of North Africa, these five venues bring the Mediterranean to your plate with style and soul.

Here’s your guide to the best spots for a flavour-packed Mediterranean escape, no travel required.

Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant – Carlton, Vic

A fixture on Lygon Street for good reason, Piccolo Mondo delivers a classic Italian experience that captures the essence of warm hospitality and traditional flavours. Settle under fairy lights in the alfresco courtyard or take a seat inside amongst rustic brick walls adorned with curated artwork - this is a venue where family, friends and food are the main event.

A Taste of the Mediterranean Without the Passport

Start with rich, creamy oysters Mornay or a light seafood broth gently kissed with Napoli sauce. Then indulge in pasta favourites like linguine tossed with crab meat, scampi, garlic, spinach and tomato, finished in a white wine reduction. The menu also tempts with grilled lamb cutlets marinated in lemon and rosemary and veal saltimbocca topped with prosciutto and sage.

Dreaming of Italy? Make a booking and let your senses travel.

I Maccheroni – Woollahra, NSW

I Maccheroni is where rustic Italian cooking meets refined execution, all within an intimate space filled with timber accents, navy cushions and an impressive wall of wines. Tucked away on Jersey Road in Woollahra, this romantic dining spot is helmed by Michelin-star-trained chef Marcello Farioli, who brings decades of technique to every dish.

A Taste of the Mediterranean Without the Passport

Begin with classic arancini laced with earthy mushrooms and a hit of paprika aioli, or anchovies paired with creamy stracciatella and crisp fennel. For mains, the signature maccheroni with rich beef cheek ragù and cavolo nero is slow-cooked comfort in its finest form; or opt for tonnarelli studded with Moreton Bay bugs and vongole, finished with bottarga and chilli.

Book now and rediscover Italian elegance, one forkful at a time.

Claypots Barbarossa – Melbourne CBD, Vic

If it’s a lively European atmosphere you're after, Claypots Barbarossa is your Melbourne go-to. Tucked down Hardware Lane, this CBD gem pairs bold Mediterranean flavours with live jazz and a vibrant bar scene. Inside, expect exposed brick, moody lighting and a rotating menu that embraces seasonal creativity and a little culinary flair.

A Taste of the Mediterranean Without the Passport

Seafood lovers will be in heaven with small plates like seared scallops finished with sesame and lime, or fragrant mussels stir-fried with ginger and lemongrass. For something heartier, the seafood paella brims with King prawns, salmon, calamari and mussels, while stingray baked in sambal sauce adds a fiery twist.

Get your Mediterranean fix in the city - book your table today.

Kivotos – Canberra CBD, ACT

Step into the fresh, aromatic world of Greek cuisine at Kivotos in Braddon. With its breezy interiors, pale timber finishes and lush potted greenery, this Canberra venue brings a touch of Santorini to the city. The menu is a joyful celebration of Greek tradition, built around seasonal produce and deep-rooted culinary heritage.

A Taste of the Mediterranean Without the Passport

Start with prawn saganaki - prawns tossed in tomato salsa with ouzo, feta and fragrant herbs - perfectly capturing Greece’s coastal charm. From there, lamb chops with couscous salad and pistachio yoghurt offer a modern, spiced twist on a taverna staple. Wrap things up with warm loukoumades drizzled in honey and crushed walnuts.

Ready to explore Greek flavours? Reserve your table at Kivotos.

Oneiro Restaurant – Surry Hills, NSW

At Oneiro Restaurant, hospitality is as important as the food. Located on Crown Street in Surry Hills, this neighbourhood favourite delivers the flavours and generosity of Greece with a modern edge. Inside, the vibe is moody and inviting with soft lighting, plush seating and a buzz that builds as dishes arrive at the table.

A Taste of the Mediterranean Without the Passport

Kick things off with golden grilled halloumi drizzled with herb oil, followed by tender char-grilled octopus or mussels flambéed in ouzo. Mains are robust and soulful - lamb cutlets with pickled cabbage and mint yoghurt bring the flair, while slow-cooked lamb kleftiko with potato and tomato is a dish straight from the Greek countryside.

Want to dine like you're in the Aegean? Book in now and enjoy a feast worth sharing.

From Carlton to Canberra and beyond, these venues prove that the Mediterranean isn’t just a destination - it’s a way of eating, sharing and savouring. With dishes that celebrate sea, land and sunshine, each of these spots brings a taste of the Med to your doorstep.

Featured Locations

Italian    $$$$$

I Maccheroni

Offering traditional Italian dining and an exclusive vibe, I Maccheroni on Jersey Road in Woollahra draws visitors from near and far to enjoy an authentically styled experience. Charming rusticity ...

Italian    $$$$$

Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant

Traditional Italian trattoria, Piccolo Mondo on Carlton’s trendy Lygon Street dining strip is the place to head for authentic homestyle cuisine in a polished setting. With rustic bare brick walls a...

Greek    $$$$$

Kivotos

Discover the vibrant world of Greek gastronomy where every dish tells a story steeped in history, tradition and passion at Kivotos on Mort Street in Braddon. This Canberra restaurant takes you on a...

Greek    $$$$$

Oneiro Restaurant

Celebrate the warmth of Greek hospitality and the joy of sharing delicious food with family and friends at Oneiro Restaurant on Crown Street in Surry Hills. Passionate about bringing the rich flavo...

Mediterranean    $$$$$

Claypots Barbarossa

Recreate traditional European style at Claypots Barbarossa on Hardware Lane in Melbourne’s CBD. A warm and welcoming vibe awaits, where friends come together over a love of music, drink and food; w...

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