Officina Gastronomica Italiana

The Verdict

Hawksburn’s humble Italian espresso bar, Officine Zero, has doubled in size and evolved into the newly opened Officina Gastronomica Italiana  (OGI)—an all-day Italian bistro dedicated to bringing Emilia-Romagna’s gastronomy to Melbourne.

The recently renovated space features a red-brick exterior, gallery-style windows, a rustic outdoor courtyard and an impressive floor-to-ceiling wall of wine—an ode to Italian ​enotecas’ charm. A U-shaped counter exhibits carefully selected imported artisanal products, housemade bread and takeaway options, local produce and an illuminated deli cabinet. 

Ten-year owner, Claudio Casoni, brings his Italian heritage to Melbourne, where bespoke craftmanship and sustainability are at the heart of the Officina—translating to workshop. Alongside the front-of-house manager, Armando, Claudio has meticulously curated an artisanal Italian wine list, featuring aperitif wines from his home region. 

Centring around seasonal produce, the current menu encourages guests to graze on delicate Gnocco Fritto (airy pillows of fried dough), accompanied by salty cured Capocollo and Pecorino Dolce cheese. There’s also traditional housemade focaccia, to be dipped in Sicilian olive oil and a concentrated cherry tomato sauce. 

In terms of mains, the pasta is homemade by Turin-born Head Chef Gabriele Coniglio and will evolve as the seasons do. The opening menu showcases zesty red spaghetti with Australian Rock Lobster and a semi-dried tomato medley, or the pumpkin ravioli finished with truffle ricotta, pancetta and a burnt butter sage sauce.

In true Italian style, guests will finish their night off with OGI’s signature tiramisu or a slice of housemade Torta Del Giorno (cake of the day), such as Claudio’s decadent ricotta cheesecake, paired with a digestivo. 

The origins of the espresso bar reign on, with OGI catering from early AM breakfast runs to authentic Italian evenings. 

Image credit: Supplied (OGI)