Becco

Artisan Italian dining has landed in Melbourne in the form of Becco.

Diners cannot be blamed for thinking they're going to step onto a cobbled street littered with people and mopeds when they leave this darling little eatery. That's exactly how immersive Becca is. Sticking to a simple formula of quaint bistro seating, spotless white tablecloths, elegant creams and understated lighting, Becca has created a space that wouldn't be out of place in Milan's exclusive districts or tucked away on a street in Venice.

The menu works its magic too with simple dishes done perfectly. For starters, you are invited to a selection of Italian salami with a bounty of tangy pickles, Mt Martha mussels done the European way with white wine and heaps of garlic, and zucchini cannelloni which takes the Italian classic and rolls out a whole new version.

Mains dive head first into the Italian dishes we know and love, serving up fresh pasta realness with pumpkin and sage ravioli, tortellini stuffed with mortadella and handmade gnocchi. As for meat dishes, veal saltimbocca takes its rightful place alongside prosciutto and a white wine sauce whist shorthorn porterhouse is nestled atop a bed of rocket and red onion.