Just a little further down the road from the well-covered suburbs of Fitzroy and Northcote, you'll find Reservoir. The more suburban of the bunch, the area has developed its own identity over the years imbued by a diverse collection of communities—it's now home to some seriously good places to eat.
To get a better understanding of the suburb, its changes and some of the best spots to visit we checked in with three must-visit destinations in the area and the people that run them:
Piazza 96
JULIAN CIURLEO
Opening back at the tail end of 2021, Piazza 96 is the take-away only woodfired pizza operation that's become a beloved local to Reservoir residents. "It just happened by fluke to be honest with you," says co-owner Julian. Both plumbers by trade, owners Julian Ciurleo and Michael Micallef learnt on the job under the tutelage of Pizza chef, Fabrizio. Working on hallowed ground, the Piazza 96 store on Mcfadzean Avenue was the former site of the legacy bakery, Il Forno Ciabattaria (a pioneer of the Nutella doughnut). Each pizza is made with a 48-hour rested dough, which provides more consistent cooking in the oven and an overall crispness and balance.
Menu-wise, it's a traditional Italian menu which is what has found the team such success, you can opt for Bufala Mozzarella topped numbers but it's the Mortadella that's the standout with freshly sliced mortadella, crushed pistachios, ricotta and a drizzle of honey.
"We just wanted to bring something to the area, we're both from Reservoir, there wasn't really anything around in that sense, and it kicked off more than we expected," says Julian.
Julian's top pick for Reservoir:
Lakeside Bakery, Northside Cafe
Cono Gelateria
DANIEL GARGARO
A refreshingly nostalgic sojourn to the gelato shops of old, Cono is a soulful ice cream shop on Gilbert Road. Harkening back to more a classic Italian gelateria, it's a simple menu with 12 classics from your Nutella, Pistachio and Hazlenut to two rotating specials be it a Fior di latte with raspberry, roasted coconut and a house-made chocolate ganache or mascarpone and quince. Opened by Daniel Gargaro a born and bred Reservoir native back in December 2021, the store is an extension of his passion for the suburb, "I grew up in the area and just really wanted to give something back to a community that I really love".
Now joined by full-time chef Lorenzo, the pair are having fun with the dessert medium, even offering 'Panino Al Gelato' which is gelato served in between a thick sliced golden brioche bun, a staple of Southern Italy, which Daniel sources from a Brunswick Bakery. The intimately spaced store has also become a revolving door for local DJs who are able to come in and play records throughout the evenings, it's a way to connect with the residents.
"It's definitely changed, there's a lot of people from all over Melbourne now, it was [Reservoir] very much made of Italian immigrants, so serving gelato is like a welcome to the area for the newcomers."
Daniel's top pick for Reservoir:
La Pinta
ADAM RACINA
Opening his own modern diner in his hometown region, owner and chef Adam Racina didn't foresee his future restaurant La Pinta to be a mere kilometre and a half away from his childhood home, "When we opened I definitely didn't think it was going to be what it is now."
With a menu that undulates based on the produce that Adam sources from small-scale farmers and producers, any given night will see a new blackboard chalked up with a selection of plates from house-made salumi to beef tartare with pickled broad beans all falling under the $20 mark. The affordability extends off the food menu, with wine from kegs offering drops produced locally, vermouth on tap and beers from nearby brewers.
Opening in the space of a former Italian card and social club, what drew Adam to opening La Pinta in Reservoir was the affordability and the chance to bring more modern dining to the suburb. "We were looking for somewhere where rent doesn't destroy you...I think the [Reservoir] demographic has changed a lot, and that has spurred on a new wave of places opening."
Adam's top pick for Reservoir:
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Image credit: Bam Collective (Piazza 96)