When friends of mine invited me to join them on a trip to Melbourne, they told me that they had booked “the best Italian restaurant in the city” for dinner one night, which I was very excited about. Only later did I learn that the...accolade was earned on one of those sites where the public do the reviewing (ahem…) so my excitement was a bit attenuated. When I got to the restaurant—Foglia di Fico—it seemed to hold a lot of promise. The servers all seemed to be Italian, and the atmosphere seemed “right”. While I waited for my friends I ordered a Negroni that was one of the best I can ever remember having. When the friends arrived, while we sat with our cocktails, we had them bring us a platter of salumi and a dish of mozzarella with cherry tomatoes and a basil granita, all of which was excellent. Things were a bit less excellent with the main courses. The selection was a tad narrow, I felt, but they had on offer one of my favourite Italian dishes, a grilled bistecca that they said they could serve the way I prefer it—blue—and that came with truffled potato purée, sautéed mushrooms and a horseradish sauce. The food was tasty enough, but the beef, which was indeed cooked the way I asked, did not have any grill marks and didn’t have that grilled taste that I associate with true Florentine-style bistecca. Having said that, the pasta dish that one of my friends ordered was perfect, she said. All in all, we had a great time here, but I’d be surprised if it’s the best Italian restaurant in Melbourne. Unfortunately, we didn’t try any others, so perhaps it really earned its #1 spot.More

Lovely food, cozy restaurant, excellent service. Staff were so friendly, attentive and accommodating

Dinner was perfection, the meals looked and tasted exceptional. Waiters were all friendly and accommodating . This has been the best meal and atmosphere I have had the pleasure to experience. If back in Australia again I will definitely come back here for dinner.

This is one of the best meals I have had in ages. The mixture of flavours was incredible. The staff were very helpful and friendly

What a delightful meal - a truly Italian experience with very friendly staff, good food and a warm reception. We had the octopus to start, the prawns with squid ink pasta and the seafood pasta - all were flavourful, well prepared and perfect size for...2 people. We heard about this restaurant and the Korean chef who runs it - don't be surprised if there is a queue and a lot of Asian guests - word has certainly gone around. Booking is recommended. We also had the chocolate dessert which was also excellent. A nice evening with a nice meal - we look forward to our next visit.More

One of the best meals I have had in a long time. My new favourite ❤️ The squid ink pasta was a firm standout. As was the chocolate semifreddo … Will be back !!!

Lovely staff and great attention. For a 5 course degustation menu it was not that impressive. 1 great course out of the 5.

Fabulous experience. Decor and setting was tasteful. Attentive and genuine service from all staff, but top notch personable service from the waiter who looked after our table. Most importantly food was very good. We also had a dietary requirement which meant there was nothing we...could pick from the dessert menu. We were ready to skip dessert since this usually happens (we are low maintenance customers) but the waiter suggested he could ask the chef if they could offer anything else. Chef was able to make something on the side for us which we did not expect. Dessert was phenomenal for something “pulled together” last minute from what was just sitting in the kitchen. Honestly what we ate should have been on the menu! That just says a lot about the talent of the chef and the restaurant in itself. Would highly recommend.More

This is a wonderful restaurant for a cosy romantic meal. Great ambience and attention to detail service.

We had such a great time. The food was amazing! My husband did the sample menu with the wine pairing. I forgot what I ordered but I remember we both loved everything we ate. You won’t go wrong here. Great Italian food.

The service and food is excellent. We enjoy a five course dinner specially designed by the chef. The food is fresh and delicious. The explanation of each dish is very well and very friendly.

One of the best meals we had in Melbourne. Every course was, at worse, very good, and at best, delicious. We had the charred octopus and oysters for entrees and were so impressed that we ordered another entree (in addition to our mains). Friendly service,...nice atmosphere.More