You’re in Cremorne and you’re craving spaghetti, but you’ve also got a hankering to drink something cold and fizzy high in the sky with the crew. Historically, this would be a problem without a solution. But now you have a 10th-floor rooftop restaurant with sweeping views of Melbourne and ex-Osteria Ilaria chef Vincenzo Di Giovanniello on the noodles. Suffice to say, the Aperol is trembling on the shelf.
From cacio e pepe and all’Amatriciana to a hefty cotoletta, here’s what you’ll want to order when you ascend to Cremorne’s tastiest new rooftop restaurant, according to Di Giovanniello.
Evening Vincenzo. Where’s the best seat in the house?
This is tricky. Our restaurant has amazing views right across Melbourne. For me, I love to feel the energy of the venue, so I’d recommend sitting close by the kitchen so you can see all the goings on, the plating up. I love watching the team at work. The terrace for aperitivo would be a close second.
Got anything light and fresh?
Definitely our bass grouper crudo with blood orange and cultured buttermilk, or our black fettuccine with prawn tartare, stracciatella and sorrel – light and delicious.
How about a drink?
That would have to be one of the Beechworth Bitters amari or a glass of wine from Rouleur Wine Co in the Yarra Valley.
I’m here for a good time not a long time.
My go-to snack at Amatrice would be the bignè with an Americano or some oysters with a Franciacorta sparkling wine.
What if I like tasty food but don’t eat animals?
Our artichoke alla Giudia is a great dish for vegans and vegetarians, and the pumpkin risotto is also becoming a fast favourite.
Let’s go big. Let’s go crazy. What have you got for me?
Our feast set menu is the way to go for sure. Start with a Limoncello Spritz or our Americano and Zia’s Calabrian squares – which are like mini lasagne bites – bignè, crudo and octopus. From there it’ll be a glass of something from Italy, naturally, and a selection of our pasta, scotch fillet and Murray cod. Finish with an amaro and a slice of chocolate cake.
And to close?
The crowd favourite so far would have to be our chocolate cake with fior di latte ice-cream, crumble and berry coulis.
Amatrice Rooftop, Level 10, 16 Stephenson St, Cremorne, open 4.30pm-late Wed, noon-late Thu-Sat and noon-6.30pm Sun, (03) 9967 7350, amatrice.com.au, @amatrice.rooftop