The King & Godfree Precinct’s Next Venture Is An Italian Wine Room Rooted In Simplicity

Carlton's King & Godfree precinct, home to Johnny's Green Room, Garfield Pizzeria and Pidapipo, will welcome neighbourhood restaurant and wine room Delmonte to its ranks this winter. 

Translating to 'from the mountains', Delmonte is a an homage to founder Jamie Valmorbida's grandfather Carlo, who was born in Italy's mountainous Veneto region. Promising to celebrate simplicity, seasonality and traditional Italian dining, the new venue will also honour the site's original deli and wine shop with a menu of cured meats, cheese, bread, and of course, wine. 

It's set to be an evolution of already-iconic Melbourne corner, rich in history and loved by locals. 

“Delmonte anchors the King & Godfree building,” Valmorbida says. “It’s about bringing the corner back to what it has always been—a place for people to come together over wine and food.”

Head Chef Diana Deseni (previously of Saint George, Julie and Pt. Leo Estate) will lead the kitchen alongside Executive Chef Mark Glenn (Pialligo Estate). They'll keep the food unfussy, with a wood oven and grill doing the heavy lifting. 

Curated by sommelier and wine maker George McCullough of GUM Wine, the wine list will lean Italian, spanning both established and emerging producers, with a particular focus on the Piedmont region. Select drops from the King & Godfree cellar will also complement the core selection.

Opening in winter 2026, you can find Delmonte at 293–297 Lygon Street, Carlton.

Main image credit: Supplied