A little bit of luxury on a plate

No longer do Banyule residents have to head into the city for good food. In fact, Banyule is home to some of Melbourne’s best restaurants. Whether your idea of gourmet on a plate is traditional Italian fare or Greek with a modern flair, you won’t be disappointed with what’s on offer when you visit Melbourne’s north.

It’s not only locals who are spending time to rediscover local restaurants; fine-diners around Melbourne are now heading to the ‘burbs for a little bit of luxury on a plate.

Here are just four great restaurants you need to visit in Banyule, you can find them and many more on the Rediscover Local directory.

Va Tutto Restaurant in Ivanhoe

Everything about this restaurant is luxe, from plush furniture and elegant fit out to the carefully constructed modern Italian cuisine fused with Asian flavours.

Vatutto translates from Italian to ‘everything goes’ and the menu reflects just this: a diverse flavour selection from all the corners of the earth. Their premium produce is sourced from the very best suppliers: sustainable seafood from Australian or New Zealand waters; Wagyu beef from Gippsland; organic eggs, fruit and vegetables; and quality imported cheese, dairy and flour. Plus, their bread is baked daily, and all desserts, pastries and ice cream are made on premises.

This family run restaurant in Ivanhoe doesn’t skimp on anything, so you can expect a decadent experience from the moment you walk through the doors till the time you leave.

Elia Greek Restaurant Heidelberg

Although an escape to the Mediterranean is still off the travel cards, you can do the next best thing and enjoy a little slice of Greece with a visit to Elia Greek Restaurant.

Elia is a contemporary restaurant where friends gather to share traditional Greek food, good times. A place where the food is made with love, the servings generous and the ouzo is always flowing.

With a very long list of favourite dishes, it’s a good thing that their menu is designed to share. Dining on knockout meals like their char-grilled octopus, prawn saganaki, lamb shoulder and grain salad, accompanied by imported Greek beverages and traditional music will take you on a sensory journey to Greece without having to leave Heidelberg.

L’Artigiano restaurant in Ivanhoe

Set in the old Ivanhoe Fire Station with the original exposed bricks, spectacular décor, polished wood floors, wall panels inset with wine bottles and a cozy atmosphere, L’Artigiano offers an intimate dining experience in central Ivanhoe.

At L’Artigiano, you can expect artisan style Italian food that has been carefully crafted and perfected using time honored methods, and the care taken in preparing the authentic regional cuisine is evident on the plate. Delve into a menu that encompasses the best of Italian cuisine; a menu that celebrates tradition with a touch of contemporary elegance.

Winner of the Diners Choice Awards in 2018, a visit will not disappoint. Try the bruschetta, risotto, Osso Bucco and cannoli, and don’t leave without ordering a Negroni.

Little Black Pig & Sons restaurant in Heidelberg

This seasonally driven Italian gem smack bang in the middle of Heidelberg effortlessly brings city dining to the burbs. With a menu that changes weekly to showcase fresh, seasonal local produce and nose-to-tail cooking you are promised new flavours and dishes each time you visit.

Featuring only sustainable produce with ingredients that are locally sourced, foraged or home grown, you will enjoy flavours that are clean and bright – simple food executed really well.

Select from a thoughtful menu or let them take you on a culinary journey with their five-course tasting menu or their seafood tasting menu.

Not only does Little Black Pig & Sons serve up gourmet rustic Tuscan cooking, they also excel in traditional Italian service complete with white tablecloths for lunch and dinner and a wine list will delight.

Find these restaurants and many more in Banyule on the Rediscover Local directory.

Remember to book ahead to avoid the missing out and follow COVID safe practices when dining out.