Grossi Florentino occupies a grand heritage building on Bourke St in the Melbourne CBD and has served classic Italian cuisine under the Grossi family since 1928, making it one of the oldest continuously operating fine-dining rooms in the city. The upstairs restaurant is the formal dining room, with hand-painted murals and a domed ceiling, serving a menu centred on dishes such as duck agnolotti, whole roasted fish carved tableside, and a tiramisu that has been a fixture of the dessert menu for decades. Beneath the restaurant, the more casual Grill and Cellar Bar offer simpler pasta and grill dishes at a lower price point within the same building, giving visitors flexibility between a full degustation-style dinner and a quicker lunch. The main dining room carries a formal, old-world atmosphere -- white tablecloths, attentive service, and a noise level suited to celebratory dinners and business lunches rather than casual drop-ins. The wine list is extensive and Italian-leaning, with a strong back catalogue of aged Barolo and Brunello alongside Australian labels, curated by an experienced sommelier team. Reservations are recommended for the upstairs restaurant, especially for dinner and public holidays, while the ground-floor Grill and Cellar Bar are generally easier to walk into.
| Price | $$$$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat |
| Reservations | Recommended via grossiflorentino.com |
| Address | 80 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 |
Signature dishes
- Duck agnolotti
- Whole roasted fish
- Tiramisu
Good to know
- Known for
- Grand heritage dining room serving classic Italian cuisine since 1928
Location
80 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
-37.8118, 144.9689 View on map
Highlights
- Melbourne institution on Bourke St serving classic Italian cuisine since 1928
- Ornate upstairs dining room with hand-painted murals
- Duck agnolotti and tableside-carved whole roasted fish
- Extensive Italian-leaning wine list with aged Barolo and Brunello
- Ground-floor Grill and Cellar Bar for a more casual meal
Tips for visiting
- Book the upstairs restaurant well ahead for dinner and public holidays
- The ground-floor Grill or Cellar Bar suit a quicker, less formal lunch
- Ask for a wine pairing given the depth of the Italian cellar list
- Smart casual to formal dress suits the upstairs dining room
- Weekday lunch is generally easier to book than weekend dinner
Accessibility
The heritage building has stairs to the main upstairs dining room; guests with mobility needs should contact the restaurant ahead, as ground-floor Grill and Cellar Bar seating may be more accessible.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the restaurant and the Grill?
The upstairs restaurant is the formal fine-dining room, while the ground-floor Grill and Cellar Bar offer simpler pasta and grill dishes at a lower price point.
How far ahead should I book?
Dinner reservations, especially on weekends and public holidays, are best made well in advance.
Is there a dress code?
Smart casual is the minimum expectation in the upstairs dining room given its formal heritage setting.
How old is Grossi Florentino?
The restaurant has operated on Bourke St since 1928, making it one of Melbourne's longest-running fine-dining venues.