Ronnie’s

Ronnie’s, a classy yet casual joint in the heart of the CBD with charm seeping in from all angles, Revolving primarily (but not exclusively) around Cicchetti, also known as Italian tapas, Ronnie’s is a breath of fresh air in the Melbourne dining scene, A vibrant all-day Italian diner for every occasion – whether it’s power lunches with important colleagues, popping bottles of wine with friends or a delicious date night over a shared spaghettini.

The charm of Ronnie’s lies in its unabashed enthusiasm for the food they serve up, the drinks list they’ve curated and the genial atmosphere they give off. The fermented potato focaccia with mozzarella is also a winner, with the soft and fluffy bread pairing excellently with the creamy tang of the cheese. Their pasta dishes are flavourful and cooked al dente, and the selection includes their famous Pasta Fusilli with spicy Alla Vodka, served with a dollop of whipped Ricotta and toasted breadcrumbs, which is melt-in-your-mouth decadent.

The venue is set in the iconic Rialto building in downtown Melbourne, right in the piazza. There’s an outdoor terrace that is perfect for after-work drinks or even lunch, and the open kitchen in the middle of the restaurant lets you see all the action take place. The place is designed to be comfortable and casual, with private booths available as well as a function room that’s discreetly hidden away. The warm interior and the moody lighting set a perfect mood for a gastronomic night out, so don’t be shy about how many dishes you order.

Image credit: Pete Dillon