The story
Florentino anchors 80 Bourke Street as a cornerstone of Melbourne's Italian dining, offering a legacy that stretches back to 1928. The venue preserves the classic sophistication of Italian cooking through continuous custodianship, a commitment recognized in The Age Good Food Guide 2026 where it received a Two Hat rating.
Rinaldo Massoni took the lease in 1928 and renamed the establishment Café Florentino, shifting the focus toward an Italian dining style that defined the venue for decades. Earlier iterations included a French restaurant called Café Denat, yet the pivot to Italian cuisine cemented the address's reputation. The current team describes this era as a foundation built on memory and ritual, maintaining the assurance that guests expect.
In 1934, the property expanded to include the upstairs Mural Room, featuring decorative works created by pupils of artist Napier Waller. These architectural details remain part of the venue's distinctive identity alongside spaces like The Cellar and the Bistro Grill introduced in the 1950s. Leon Massoni and George Tsindos navigated significant growth during the war years, preserving these physical landmarks through subsequent ownership changes.
The menu highlights include a traditional Sunday Roast served in the Florentino Dining Room and a daily Menu del Giorno at Café Florentino. Cellar Bar hosts events such as Negroni Week, reinforcing the venue's commitment to Italian aperitivo culture. New custodians aim to protect these iconic elements while allowing the spaces to evolve, ensuring the kitchen continues to deliver refined Italian experiences without losing its historic character.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
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