Pinotta

This is my favourite place in Melbourne. It is my go-to for interstate visitors to give them something to remember when they fly home. It is always consistently good. The food is often Italian and French inspired, but definitely not limited to. They’ve explored with dishes from around the world. It’s always delicious and the cook times are always perfect. The food is creatively complex and yet simple in what they serve up at times- genius. The pastas and sourdough are made in house. The flavours are always seasonal. The vibe of the place matches the food. Heidi is a great host and owner. The staff are all familiar faces who genuinely love to share the experience with you and treat you like family. Personal highlights - hand squeezed ‘gin and juice’ - the wine recommendations - the sourdough - Gorgonzola gnocchi / squid ink pasta - the steak sandwich (was a covid-temporary and missed fixture) - the fries - anything sardine related - the jazz band when Sunday dine-in lunches were a thing.

This restaurant is increíble!!! I was having the worst day at work and my sister and I came in for dinner to try and lessen the blow. My oh my we were delighted to the most wonderful service, the staff are so sweet and amazing at their job. AND THE FOOD!!!! Oh my god so tasty - the green pasta literally blew my socks off! Everything was pretty affordable, an amazing Fitzroy north location!

Positives: quality of food and service were great Negatives: When you order a bowl of pasta, you expect a bowl of pasta - not 1/3 of a bowl of pasta. Particularly the gnocchi - a small portion for a main that might have served as a small starter. A single layer of gnocchi not even covering the entire bottom of the bowl - lucky to be 24 SMALL pieces. It's not cheap, and the sauce is a basic Gorgonzola with no other inclusions. Actually providing a reasonable serve wouldn't cost much more, but would actually mean that you didn't feel cheated by the portion. My other half's seafood pasta was a little better, but still only 1/2 a bowl and even more expensive. Sorry - don't go there unless you have no appetite.