Emilia ‘absolutely blown away’ by South Melbourne restaurant

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Lucia

11 Eastern Road, South Melbourne

This one took me by surprise. I knew I was in for a great meal but I didn’t bank on being absolutely blown away. The ambience is sophisticated but welcoming, with a carefully curated space that balances minimalist elegance with a touch of rustic charm. From the moment you sit down, you’re treated not just as a guest but as part of the family. This warmth extends beyond the service, right through to the plates that come out of the kitchen.

At the heart of it all is Frank, the owner and visionary behind Lucia. A seasoned restaurateur with a passion for authentic, elevated dining, Frank has made his mark on Melbourne’s food scene. Lucia is a love letter to Italy and his travels across the country. Frank’s approach to hospitality is rooted in generosity, with a focus on quality ingredients, family-style sharing, and a deep respect for tradition. It’s not just about serving great food; it’s about creating a space where every guest feels like they belong.

To start, we dove straight into the freshly shucked oysters, served with a cucumber and jalapeño granita. The oysters were pristine – briny, clean, and just the right amount of sea breeze freshness. The granita was the real showstopper though – icy, crisp, and a little bit spicy, it elevated the oysters, cutting through their richness with the perfect burst of citrusy heat. 

Next came the lobster taco – tender, juicy lobster with a rich citrus and chive dressing, all wrapped up in a delicate kohlrabi taco shell. The lobster itself was sweet and succulent, with the acidity of the citrus cutting through the richness of the meat. The avocado added a silky texture that paired perfectly with the crunchy kohlrabi taco. This was a playful dish, light yet satisfying, and it was hard not to feel a little giddy with each bite.

We also tried the 72-hour braised beef short rib with salmon roe and taramasalata. If you’ve ever been unsure about how to do a short rib right, this dish is the textbook example. The beef was impossibly tender, breaking apart with just a fork. It’s a dish that speaks volumes about Lucia’s ability to balance richness with finesse. When I took my first bite of this I did have an expletive exit my mouth before saying … “in a good way”. 

The dry-aged wagyu beef tartare was a revelation. Rich, velvety beef paired with crisp semolina domes and a silky egg custard that melted in your mouth. It was served on a marrow bone for character. 

The risotto with woodland mushrooms and marsala truffle jus was a decadent comfort dish. The risotto was creamy and perfectly cooked, each grain of rice swimming in the rich, earthy flavor of the mushrooms and the deep, intoxicating aroma of truffle. Pecorino brought a sharp, salty tang to cut through the richness, and the dish was so satisfying, it felt like a warm hug in a bowl.

We also went for the butcher’s cut steak, served with hand-mixed béarnaise sauce. The steak was tender and beautifully charred, with just the right amount of fat rendering down, giving each bite a luscious mouthfeel. The béarnaise sauce was as it should be – smooth, buttery, and indulgent, with a tangy kick to balance the richness of the meat. It’s a simple dish done perfectly, and it’s hard to imagine anyone leaving disappointed after this.

To cap things off, we tried the peanut butter parfait – a decadent masterpiece that’s worth every calorie. The whiskey caramel added a smoky, rich depth to the parfait, while the cocoa crumble gave it a bit of crunch and contrast. We also had to try their version of tiramisu which provided another opportunity to wow us with a spiral meringue that has the coffee liqueur poured over it. 

Lucia also offers a $40 lunch deal, which is a steal for the quality of food on offer—main course and a glass of wine. If you’re looking for a midday escape with delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere, this is a fantastic option.

From the delicate oysters to the luxurious parfait, every dish at Lucia is a carefully crafted experience that perfectly combines Italian tradition with a modern, innovative twist. Whether you’re indulging in a long lunch or just stopping by for a light bite, this place has everything – flavour, warmth, and a dollop of sophistication. 

Images: Supplied