Caterina's Cucina e Bar
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Caterina's Cucina e Bar
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Meet the Chef
Marcello Mariani, a northern Italian chef, trained in Treviso & Venice. He worked in London at Harry's Bar & then at the Harkin Hotel, the first Italian Michelin Star in London. He also did a stint in America. He arrived in Melbourne in 2012 & worked in the CBD, specializing in traditional Italian flavours, but also using unique Australian products. Mariani has been head chef at Caterina's Cucina e Bar since 2016. He was awarded the first ever chef's hat for a lunch time only restaurant in 2018.Restaurant menu
- Gambe d'anitra, tortellone ripieno, salsa di lampascione al balsamico
- $42
- Twice cooked duck leg on the bone & a boneless duck leg in ‘crepinette’, a pasta parcel of white cabbage, cured pork cheek & black sesame with whole wild onions in balsamic sauce
- Stufato di carne, scelto dello chef, con gnocco alla romana
- $39.5
- Today’s oven baked meat braise, with semolina dumplings and crispy leeks
- Paillard di pollo, torta di zucca e porri, un wafer di polenta
- $38.9
- Char grilled chicken breast rubbed with lemon, sage & chilli, with a baked pumpkin & leek custard torte
User photos
photos
Reviews
9-10
7-8
5-6
3-4
1-2
What diners said about this restaurant:
James r. • 1 review
3 November 2023
10/10Amazing Italian venue that is one of the great dinning experiences of Melbourne for the last 28 years.
Elisa S. • 5 reviews
1 November 2023
10/10Ciao Caterina &Team, Lunch was amazing on Wednesday.The gnocchi were light and fluffy as my mum and I make them same as the chef ???????? makes them. True ltalian authentic food,the flavours were delicious ????. Came about 10 years ago,Food was incredible then and still the same now.The staff were lovely and helpful. A extensive wine ???? menu and my favourite wine was Auntsfield from Nz, only by the bottle now. Grazie Caterina &Team Caterina Ciao Elisa
See photo
Don M. • 2 reviews
25 October 2023
10/10Excellent Service - friendly staff - high quality food - highly recommended.
Penny D. • 1 review
6 September 2023
10/10First visit post Covid and needless to say, Caterina and team, failed to disappoint! Soooo happy to still have this gem to go to!!
Natasha S. • 1 review
6 September 2023
9.5/10Excellent Italian cuisine and great selection of alcohol. Really polished service and lovely fit-out. Ambience was great but it can get a little noisy during lunch hour.
John K. • 1 review
5 September 2023
10/10One of my favourites, if not my most favourite Italian. Its the attention to detail that stands out for me. if there is anyone considering going to Caterina's for lunch then just do it, you will not be disappointed.
Denis M. • 2 reviews
5 September 2023
9.5/10Always great food and service at Caterinas. The specials are always a delight. Great place for lunch
Vic T. • 1 review
1 September 2023
10/10Caterina's never fails to delight the taste buds. The food is always magical and Caterina and her staff are great hosts with an eye for detail Must try Melbourne lunch institution. I will be back as soon as possible.
Liz B. • 1 review
31 August 2023
10/10Cannot fault it! Definitely worth a visit
Dom C. • 1 review
25 August 2023
10/10Caterina's has been one of my favourite restaurants for many years now, the food, service and wine list are all amazing, how she manages to maintain that level of consistency over such a long period of time is a credit to her and her team, it never disappoints.
Don M. • 2 reviews
24 August 2023
10/10I have been to Caterina's a number of times and it never fails to deliver polite and informative service and excellent quality meals. I would recommend that if you haven't tried it - do so - it will enhance your day immeasurably!
Maree M. • 1 review
23 August 2023
10/10Beautiful day spent with great food wine and friends
MALCOLM E. • 4 reviews
18 August 2023
10/10Simply the best!
Nadia C. • 6 reviews
14 August 2023
10/10This restaurant has an excellent feel. Staff were very welcoming. The menue was extensive and there is something to appeal to all taste buds. Although a lunch time dining spot and was quite busy, the noise level was minimum so we did not have trance our voices Food served with care and very, very, good. Also generous serves. Will definitely return.
Frank P. • 1 review
10 July 2023
10/10Great venue with great service and delicious meals. Well done to all. Definitely be back again.
Nathalia S. • 3 reviews
8 June 2023
10/10The best lunch spot in Melbourne
sarah c. • 1 review
6 June 2023
10/10The best lunch restaurant in Melbourne, incredible Italian food, superb wait staff and an ambience that makes you feel you are in Italy. Love this place, very special
Beverley P. • 5 reviews
8 May 2023
10/10Caterina's Cucina E Bar is truly is one of the finer Melbourne dining experiences. Caterina's is where good food combines with theatre and diligence to produce a grand performance each and every time.
Milena M. • 2 reviews
28 April 2023
10/10An outstanding restaurant experience - highly professional staff, superb selection of Mediterranean meals exceptionally well prepared, warm and friendly ambience. Can't wait to return - often!
John P. • 1 review
26 April 2023
10/10A delightfully authentic experience of cosy ambience, great attentive service, and a wide selection specials and standard menu items. My first visit, apparently this is much loved destination, I can see why.
Tripadvisor reviews
111 Tripadvisor Reviews
More information
How to get to the restaurant
Basement, 221 Queen Street, 3000, Melbourne (VIC), Australia
Additional information
We are located on the corner of Queen Street and Lonsdale Street.
About the restaurant
Classy Lunchtime Revelry Descend the stairs to Caterina's Cucina e Bar on Queen Street in Melbourne's bustling CBD and you'll feel like you're a world away. This little enclave is popular with the business crowd, but it's hardly limited to those in suits: it's also frequented by Italian food devotees looking for a little lunchtime revelry. Open for lunch only, Caterina's Cucina e Bar will make you feel like you're in an Italian opera with its marble, vintage mirrors, Venetian masks and formally clothed tables. There's an international wine list with 400 wines plus a dozen or so available by the glass. You'll have no trouble tippling away the afternoon here over a top-notch vino. As for the food, chef Marcello Mariani serves regional Italian dishes that showcase fresh, seasonal produce from local producers. If you're looking to host an event, Caterina's Cucina e Bar caters for corporate functions, private dinners and weddings. It's definitely a class act at Caterina's. Best dish: Porcini mushroom risotto
Please note that a 5% service fee will apply for parties greater than 5
Features
European, , , , Pre Theatre, Valentine's Day, , Gluten free
Services
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Frequently Asked Questions
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