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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
