Trattoria Emilia

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Tucked behind the rear of 360 Little Collins Street in Melbourne's CBD, Trattoria Emilia is the kind of place that takes Italian trattoria cooking seriously — without ceremony. The restaurant has earned recognition from Gambero Rosso as a Top Italian Restaurant, and holds a Chef Hat from the Good Food Guide, credentials that speak to the consistency and care behind what comes out of the kitchen.

The Food

The signature tortellini plate is prominent enough to be sold as a keepsake item in the restaurant's own boutique, which says something about how central it is to the identity of this trattoria. Beyond that, the menu draws on Italian tradition with a focus on provenance — the restaurant dedicates a section of its website to exactly that, reflecting a clear commitment to sourcing that underpins every plate.

The Experience

The trattoria operates across lunch and dinner through the week, with a rhythm that suits both a leisurely midday meal and an evening out. Functions and private parties are catered for, and the team also offers takeaway — a rare concession that doesn't dilute the sit-down experience. There is even a food and wine newsletter, described with a wry "join at your own risk," that hints at a personality behind the operation: engaged, a little irreverent, genuinely passionate about Italian food and wine.

A Melbourne Italian Worth Knowing

Trattoria Emilia occupies a specific and confident space in Melbourne's dining landscape — a trattoria that earns its stripes through repetition and rigour rather than spectacle. The Gambero Rosso recognition places it among the best Italian restaurants in Australia, and a visit makes clear why.