Restaurant
Trattoria Emilia
360 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find Trattoria Emilia
360 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Trattoria Emilia
Tucked down an alley off Little Collins, Trattoria Emilia delivers soulful Emilia-Romagna cooking behind unmarked windows. High ceilings, packed tables, and crisp linens set a room humming with chatter and native-Italian staff who make guests feel instantly a casa. Regulars head straight for the hot, airy gnocco fritto draped in prosciutto, followed by handmade tagliatelle clinging to rich pork and beef ragu. The five-course chef’s choice menu takes the guesswork out of dinner, pacing dishes like vitello tonnato and roasted meats alongside regional pours like Lambrusco di Sorbara. Insiders know to ask about off-menu tortellini in brodo, finished in a steaming, restorative broth.
- Off-Menu Specialties: Regulars know to request the off-menu tortellini in brodo, folded by hand and served in rich broth.
- Authentic Atmosphere: Warm wood, crisp linens, and energetic Italian service create an authentic, welcoming atmosphere.
- Regional Classics: The kitchen specializes in Emilia-Romagna staples like hot gnocco fritto and slow-braised pork and beef ragu.
- Chef's Choice Tasting: A five-course chef's choice menu pairs balanced regional dishes with complementary wines.
What's On at Trattoria Emilia
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Choose Trattoria Emilia
Why guests seek out Trattoria Emilia for regional Italian dining in Melbourne
Authentic Emilia-Romagna Culinary Heritage
Head chef Francesco from Modena brings regional specialties to life, serving traditional dishes like gnocco fritto with prosciutto, tigelle, and handmade tortellini.
A big thank you to head chef Francesco from Modena, who has beautifully recreated the flavours of his hometown.
Simona Scimò Transportive Trattoria Atmosphere
From warm rustic decor to authentic Italian conversations and hospitality, dining here replicates the atmosphere of dining in Italy.
From the moment we walked into Trattoria Emilia, it truly felt like we had been transported to a cozy trattoria in Italy.
Jenny Sim Curated 5-Course Chef's Tasting Menu
The 5-course chef's choice menu eliminates decision fatigue, serving balanced savory courses from handmade pasta to delicate seafood.
We handed ourselves over to the 5 course chef's choice menu, a decision that instantly removed the stress of choosing and replaced it with trust.
Stephen Pinter Effortless Dietary Adaptations
The kitchen seamlessly provides complete dietary accommodations like dairy-free menus and meat-free adaptations without compromising flavor or quality.
A special shout-out for the dairy-free version of the menu provided to one of us that was just as delicious as the regular version -- not a watered down substitute.
Kat & Dav Adventures The Thrill of a Hidden Laneway Discovery
Tucked behind closed doors in a Melbourne graffiti alley off Little Collins Street, uncovering this intimate venue delivers the thrill of finding a culinary secret.
There’s something deeply satisfying about walking down a narrow Melbourne graffiti alley, past tastefully scrawled walls and half-hidden doors, knowing that behind one of them something serious is happening.
Stephen Pinter Welcoming Warmth That Feels Like Home
The front-of-house team embraces guests with genuine warmth, making diners feel instantly at ease and completely at home.
From the moment you walk in, you feel instantly A CASA.
Elena Tassi
Most popular items
Signature regional specialties and curated tasting experiences
5-Course Chef's Choice Tasting Menu
We handed ourselves over to the 5 course chef's choice menu, a decision that instantly removed the stress of choosing and replaced it with trust.
Stephen Pinter Gnocco Fritto with Prosciutto
The gnocco fritto with prosciutto came out hot and unapologetically indulgent, salty, airy, and impossible not to love.
Stephen Pinter Tagliatelle Bolognese Ragu
we both had the Tagliatelle Bolognese Pork & Beef Ragu….. 😋 wow it was mind blowing 🤯 the flavours were amazing and typical of how they just capture their heritage!
Helen Fois Tortellini in Brodo
The food is so incredibly authentic and their tortellini in brodo (available upon request only) are so delicious and flavourful.
Alessia Maio
Other favorites
Regional Italian dolci and standout beverage selections
Tiramisù
The absolute highlight was the tiramisu with Frangelico and pear liqueur. hands down one of the best desserts I’ve had.
Akshay Torta al limone
The torta al limone for dessert was also outstanding.
Marco Ciprian (Marco Ciprian) Walnut Panna Cotta
decided to share the Walnut Panna Cotta which was lovely ☺️
Helen Fois Lambrusco di Sorbara
Their wine selection is exceptional ( the inclusion of Lambrusco di Sorbara is a standout )
Elena Tassi
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful hospitality and culinary care that elevate dining at Trattoria Emilia
Welcoming Bread and Olive Oil
Guests are welcomed with complimentary fresh homemade bread and olive oil as a traditional opening to the meal.
Unannounced Celebration Gestures
Milestones receive observant surprises, including birthday desserts presented with candles without prior announcement by the table.
Dietary Adaptations on Tasting Menus
The kitchen adapts multi-course tasting menus seamlessly for non-meat and dairy-free diners without treating alterations as afterthoughts.
Off-Menu Tortellini in Brodo by Request
Off-menu regional dishes like hand-crafted tortellini in brodo are prepared upon request by the kitchen team.
Before you head over
Practical guidance on reservations, navigation, and menu ordering for your visit
Book Well in Advance
The dining room fills up with no empty seats, making advance reservations essential rather than optional.
Spot the Hidden Laneway Entrance
The venue sits discreetly behind covered windows at the end of an alley off Little Collins Street, so keep an eye out for the entrance down the lane.
Order the Chef's Tasting Menu
Opting for the 5-course chef's choice menu takes the stress out of ordering, and kitchen staff accommodate non-meat and dairy-free diets seamlessly.
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