Review of Osteria Ilaria restaurant

Updated October 12, 2026,first published November 18, 2024

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Between the thrum of diners chatting and the clang of an open kitchen, your ears will also pick up the chime of spoons scraping the last dregs of pasta sauce from bowls. Well-drilled staff bring warm ciabatta rolls with cultured butter to every table, but trying to save some for the impending moppage is futile – it’s too good.

Ilaria is a sibling of Tipo 00, so excellent pasta is in its DNA. Silky ribbons of paccheri are tossed in anchovy butter and served over a bed of Meredith Goat ragu humming with chilli and fennel. But smaller plates are arguably the true gold.

Smoked eel and spanner crab share the limelight on a bite-sized cracker. Pickled green tomato, charred cabbage and mustard oil send shockwaves through a riff on the Tuscan bread and tomato soup pappa al pomodoro. A delightfully savoury basil cheesecake pings with fresh cara cara orange, an inspired end to a beguiling journey.

Best for: Whether first date or 10th anniversary, Osteria is built to impress.

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A citywide standard-bearer celebrating the full potential of vegetables.

This venue is one of Good Food’s 100 Essential Melbourne Cafes and Bakeries of 2026.

Thoughtful meals backed by gentle service.