Di Francesco Cucina in Crown Melbourne
At Di Francesco Cucina, Johnny Di Francesco's latest venture at Crown Melbourne, Pinsa reigns supreme. This isn’t just any pizza, but the popular Roman Pinsa, featuring crunchy crust on the outside, pillowy joy on the inside, and the oval shape provides an artisan feel. We were invited along to experience this exciting new restaurant.
While the traditional margherita and capricciosa are comforting, it’s the more adventurous options that steal the show. The calabrese, topped with hot salami and rocket, delivers a spicy punch, while the Rustichella with pork sausage is pure indulgence. A tip is to drizzle premium oil over the Pinsa. The polpettona, crowned with Italian meatballs, brings warmth and familiarity, like a Sunday family dinner.
Beyond Pinsa, the menu offers a range of home-style Italian classics. The arancini, stuffed with truffle, mushrooms, and mozzarella, are the perfect balance of crunch and comfort. The frutti di mare pasta, with fresh seafood and handmade pasta, feels like a love letter to the sea. And then there’s the agnolotti—pillowy pockets filled with spinach and ricotta, kissed by butter and sage.
To pair, the drinks list is approachable but thoughtful. The Montepulciano we savored was vibrant, with enough structure to complement the rich dishes. For something light and refreshing, the limoncello spritz delivers an Italian summer in a glass.
Desserts are a revelation. The tiramisu al limoncello is a clever twist on the classic, its citrusy notes cutting through the richness. The pesca italiana, a decadent dessert layered with chocolate chips, cream, and a hint of orange liqueur— was a trifle reimagined, and a perfect finale to an indulgent meal.