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Restaurant

Cicciolina

130 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

Recommended by 53 people

Updated

Find Cicciolina

130 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9525 3333
HoursMonday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Cicciolina

Bypass the Acland Street tourist drag and head straight for Cicciolina—a veteran St Kilda institution built on unhurried hospitality and dependable Italian cooking. Slip through the laneway into the Back Saloon, claim a booth, and settle in. Regulars steer straight to the seafood: ribbons of house-made tagliatelle tossed with prawns, white zucchini, and finger lime butter, or Moreton Bay bug risotto steeped in shellfish bisque. Floor staff work the room with easy sprezzatura, pouring from an expansive cellar without an ounce of pretense. The night winds down over espresso-soaked tiramisu layered with mascarpone.

  • A St Kilda institution: Decades of steady cooking and familiar hospitality keep this enduring dining room full of regulars year-round.
  • Laneway Back Saloon: Tucked down the rear alley, this moody bar space welcomes walk-ins with intimate booth seating and the complete dinner menu.
  • Seafood-forward pastas: Fresh tagliatelle with prawns and finger lime butter, Moreton Bay bug risotto, and sardine pasta anchor the kitchen.
  • Sharp wine service: Attentive floor staff guide guests through an extensive wine list without hurry or fuss.
  • Classic dessert finishes: Traditional espresso-soaked tiramisu rich with mascarpone and crisp seasonal sweets round out the meal.
RestaurantRestaurant

What's On at Cicciolina

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose Cicciolina

From refined seafood pastas to unhurried laneway booths in the Back Saloon, discover why this St Kilda classic endures—book your table today.

  • Masterful House-Made Pastas

    Cicciolina’s kitchen excels in expertly balanced house-made pastas, including fresh tagliatelle paired with sweet prawns, white zucchini, and bright yuzu and finger lime butter.

    The house-made tagliatelle with prawns, white zucchini, ponzu, yuzu and finger lime butter was absolutely outstanding.

    Abhishek Roy

  • Seafood-Forward Italian Specialties

    The menu distinguishes itself through coastal Italian preparations, notably generous Moreton Bay bug risottos and the signature blue swimmer crab soufflé.

    The food was excellent - we had the infamous blue swimmer crab cheese souflee (which lived up to its reviews)

    Cherie Logan

  • Spontaneous Back Saloon Seating

    Hidden off Acland Street, the rear saloon readily accommodates unreserved guests with comfortable booths even when the main dining room is full.

    First time no booking were shown to a booth in the back saloon.

    Kendalle Whitaker

  • Laneway Bar with Full Menu Access

    Tucked down the rear laneway, this atmospheric bar combines low lighting and casual drinks with seamless access to the restaurant's complete dining menu.

    The staff are always friendly and you can choose from the main menu if you desire.

    Warren Tate Speaker Coach

  • Milestone Celebrations with a Vibrant Buzz

    Cicciolina strikes a natural balance for milestone dinners and gatherings, maintaining an energetic room buzz without compromising table intimacy.

    Another lovely thing about Cicciolina's is that the atmosphere is cosy and intimate, there's a good buzz, but it doesn't get too loud.

    Georgie

  • Attentive Hospitality for Solo Diners

    Solo diners encounter gracious, attentive service from a seasoned floor team that ensures every guest feels valued from arrival to departure.

    As a single diner, I was made to feel so welcome, service was on point, food was amazing and a great wine list.

    F J

Signature dishes and crowd favorites consistently celebrated by diners.

  • Moreton Bay Bug Risotto

    The stand out for me was the risotto with bugs - a generous serve that I greatly savoured - the yummiest thing I have had in a while.

    Georgie

  • Spaghetti Bolognaise

    I have never ordered anything but the spaghetti bolognaise. I really wish I could but it’s just so perfect.

    Amber Harrison

  • Fresh Oysters

    The oyster were super fresh and tasty.

    Salvatore Valenti

  • Tiramisu

    The tiramisu was incredible: soft, creamy, rich in coffee flavour, with beautifully balanced mascarpone and coffee liqueur.

    Abhishek Roy

Other favorites

Complement your meal with house-made starters, share plates, and seasonal desserts.

  • Mandarin Dessert

    The mandarin dessert was also fantastic, especially with the anglaise.

    Abhishek Roy

  • Chicken Parfait

    the chicken parfait was to die for.

    Amanda Elkoumi

  • Burrata Salad

    The burrata salad was phenomenal

    Amanda Elkoumi

  • Meatballs

    there is a great selection of share plates (the meatballs are amazing).

    Warren Tate Speaker Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to book a table in advance?

Cicciolina accepts reservations, which are recommended because the dining room gets busy even on weekdays. However, walk-in patrons are often accommodated, particularly in the intimate back bar and saloon area.

What is the Back Saloon bar experience like?

Tucked down the laneway behind the restaurant, the Back Saloon and bar features moody booth seating, ambient lighting, and drinks. Guests can order small plates or full meals from the regular restaurant menu there.

How large are the portions?

Portion sizes are generous across pasta dishes, risottos, and entrees, making several items suitable for sharing between guests.

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