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Restaurant

Caruggi

66 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Recommended by 54 people

Updated

Find Caruggi

66 Little Malop St, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 5229 6426
HoursMonday: 12:00 – 8:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 8:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 – 8:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 8:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Caruggi

Tucked along Little Malop Street, Caruggi brings genuine Northern Italian cooking to Geelong in a room that feels like stepping into a friend's rustic home. Locals head here before Geelong Arts Centre shows or for unhurried dinners anchored by regional staples—think cheese-filled focaccia col formaggio, tender pansoti tossed in salsa di noci, and lemon laganelle loaded with fresh seafood. Pizzas emerge from the stone oven with a distinct, satisfying crunch. Finish with a generous slab of house tiramisu alongside an Italian amaro.

  • Northern Italian Specialties: Ligurian and Northern specialties like pansoti con salsa di noci, focaccia col formaggio, and seafood laganelle.
  • Stone-Oven Pizzas: Baked in a stone oven for a distinctly crunchy, hearty crust rather than soft Neapolitan dough.
  • Cosy Dining Room: Rustic interiors with cosy tables and paced service ideal for quiet dinners or pre-show meals near the Arts Centre.
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What's On at Caruggi

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Dine at Caruggi

Discover why guests choose Caruggi for genuine Northern Italian flavours, intimate celebrations, and pre-theatre dining in Geelong.

  • Authentic Northern Italian Regional Dishes

    Specialising in authentic Ligurian and Northern regional dishes, the kitchen crafts traditional favourites like pansoti con salsa di noci and handmade lemon laganelle.

    If you're looking for genuine Northern Italian cuisine in Geelong, Caruggi is absolutely worth visiting.

    瓏 Long

  • Masterfully Textured Fresh Pasta

    Handmade pasta is rolled with perfect texture and balanced sauces, from rich seafood preparations to delicate herb infusions.

    The handmade pasta had a wonderful texture, the seafood was fresh, and the white wine and herb sauce complemented the seafood beautifully without overpowering it.

    瓏 Long

  • Warmth of a Welcoming Italian Home

    The dining room offers the comforting hospitality and warmth of an authentic private home, creating an inviting space for milestone dinners.

    Rather than feeling like a typical restaurant, Caruggi has the warmth and charm of being invited into a friend's home in Italy.

    瓏 Long

  • Romantic Setting for Milestones

    Intimate corner seating, soft lighting, and attentive floor staff make the dining room a reliable favourite for anniversaries and romantic evenings.

    The meals were delicious and original plus the atmosphere in your restaurant is romantic.

    STEVE GOLLASCH

  • Effortless Pre-Show Dining in the CBD

    Ideally positioned on Little Malop Street, the venue provides prompt and coordinated dinner service tailored for theatre-goers attending performances at the Geelong Arts Centre.

    Would highly recommend especially if taking in a show at the Arts Centre.

    Steve Day

  • Stone Oven-Baked Crunchy Pizza

    Pizzas are baked in a dedicated stone oven to achieve an authentic, delightfully crunchy crust with rich sugo and quality toppings.

    The dough was delightfully crunchy and perfectly baked, and the sugo was simply divine.

    Silvano Brocca

Authentic Northern Italian pasta and regional specialties

  • Lemon Laganelle

    The handmade pasta had a wonderful texture, the seafood was fresh, and the white wine and herb sauce complemented the seafood beautifully without overpowering it.

    瓏 Long

  • Pansoti con Salsa di Noci

    I had the pansoti con salsa di noci which I highly recommend. Delicious!

    S F

  • Focaccia Col Formaggio

    You must try the Focaccia Col formaggio.

    Sam Ringwaldt

  • Spaghetti Vongole

    We ordered a spaghetti Vongole which was excellent.

    Philip Milton

Other favorites

Desserts, sides, and beverages to complement your meal

  • Tiramisu

    The tiramisu was exceptional—rich, creamy and generously portioned. It is easily large enough for two people to share and is the perfect way to finish the meal.

    瓏 Long

  • Mocktail

    I also ordered a mocktail, which was refreshing and well-balanced

    瓏 Long

  • Tomato Salad

    We had some salad with it and I can say that the tomato salad was excellent.

    Lachlan Perry

  • Espresso

    finished with a wonderful espresso.

    Jo King

Before you head over

Practical advice on reservations, crust styles, and seating for your visit to Caruggi.

  • Book ahead for busy nights and showtimes

    The restaurant fills up quickly on peak evenings despite appearing deceptive from the street, so reserve a table ahead of time—especially if coordinating dinner before a show at Geelong Arts Centre.

  • Expect a crunchy stone-oven pizza crust

    Pizzas are prepared in a stone oven resulting in a crunchy crust rather than a soft, airy Neapolitan-style dough, which helps set expectations before ordering.

  • Request a corner or window table for intimacy

    The intimate room can become quite noisy when fully seated; if you are celebrating a special occasion or prefer an easier conversation, ask for a cosy corner or window table when booking.

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