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Restaurant

Trattoria Emilia

360 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Recommended by 29 people

Updated

Find Trattoria Emilia

360 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 9670 7214
HoursMonday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About 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.
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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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation in advance?

Yes, booking ahead is strongly recommended as the dining room is frequently packed with every table occupied. Reservations are accepted for both lunch and dinner services.

Is there a tasting menu, and can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes, Trattoria Emilia offers a 5-course chef's choice tasting menu with available wine pairings. Reviewers note that dietary requests, including vegetarian and dairy-free options, can be seamlessly accommodated.

How do I find the restaurant, and what is the dining atmosphere like?

The restaurant is located in an alleyway at 360 Little Collins Street behind covered windows and an old traditional door without flashy exterior signage. Inside, the space is warm and energetic with high ceilings, though conversation can be lively and loud during peak times.

What signature dishes should first-time diners look out for?

Signature regional specialties from Emilia-Romagna include the hot gnocco fritto with prosciutto, tigelle, handmade tagliatelle bolognese with pork and beef ragù, tortelloni, and their distinctive tiramisu crafted with Frangelico.

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