Caterina's Cucina e Bar

Launched in 1995, Caterina’s Cucina e Bar is a Melbourne institution dedicated to turning out sophisticated, traditional Italian cuisine with a bow to modernism. The inspiration behind many business deals has been executed over long lunches at Caterina’s, which have become an established tradition amongst the Melbourne corporate and legal fraternities. Lunches can be a lengthy affair or simply done ‘espresso’ style at the large marble bar. Long time favourites include the Northern Italian inspired baccalà on polenta, a classic risotto of saffron and bone marrow, house-produced filled pastas, along with simpler egg noodles with crab and shaved bottarga. The room speaks volumes of Melbourne history. Mietta’s original marble tables, industrial scales from Stephanie’s and carefully curated antiques collected over 25 years have created a Venetian inspired, but New York style, hidden gem in a basement. The team, led by Caterina Borsato, are Italian born or Italian at heart and are able to recreate what is known in Italy as ‘l’arte dell’ospitalità Italiana’, the art of Italian hospitality. A passionately selected wine list of Italian and local labels completes the experience. Buon appetito.