Florentino Split-Level Fine Dining Elevated to New Heights
An icon located on Bourke Street in the heart of Melbourne, Florentino stands as one of the city's most enduring culinary landmarks. Established in 1928, the heritage-listed venue at 80 Bourke Street has witnessed nearly a century of dining evolution, from its origins as an Italian institution to its latest chapter under the custodianship of Edition Group (also known as Edition Hospitality). This transition, announced and rolled out in early 2026 following the acquisition from the Grossi family, marks not a drastic overhaul but a thoughtful reinvigoration. The philosophy guiding this new era is clear: honor the legacy while embracing seasonality, precision, and the exceptional quality of Australian produce to elevate Florentino to its finest form yet.
The precinct operates as three interconnected yet distinct spaces, each contributing to the overall experience. Café Florentino, returned to its original 1928 name after years as the Grossi Grill, captures the soul of Tuscan grill traditions downstairs. Here, a wood-fired grill and Josper oven take center stage, delivering produce-driven dishes with effortless elegance.
The menu highlights handmade pastas that showcase creativity within tradition, such as the showstopping Ravioli Doppio - half filled with creamy fontina, the other with erbette silverbeet and pistachio for a striking visual and flavor contrast. Umami-packed Oxtail Anolini arrives in a vivid bullhorn pepper broth, while the star of many evenings is the magnificent 1kg Bistecca alla Fiorentina, sourced from O’Connor in Gippsland and cooked to perfection. Steaks from Westholme wagyu, free-range pork tomahawks, and local seafood like crayfish or flathead round out the offerings. Paired with one of Australia's most extensive Tuscan wine lists, the space suits everything from business lunches to relaxed dinners, with à la carte or express prix-fixe options available.
Upstairs, the historic Florentino Dining Room remains the flagship, embodying refined, multi-course Italian mastery. Led by Group Culinary Director Michael Greenlaw and Executive Chef Brendan Katich, the menu respects long-standing favorites while incorporating contemporary techniques and seasonal ingredients. House-made pastas feature prominently, alongside dishes like Murray Cod with Pesto Pantesco and local hazelnuts—a study in restrained brilliance - or refined preparations of coral trout and Sher wagyu. Desserts maintain their iconic status, particularly the legendary chocolate soufflé, now elevated with Melbourne-based Cuvée Chocolate, rising dramatically as the perfect finale.
The wine program, curated by group sommelier Steve Senturk, celebrates Italian breadth with a focus on Piemonte and Sicily, including Florentino's role as Melbourne ambassador for Gaja. With over 1,100 bottles and 30–40 by the glass, it caters to both deep exploration and casual enjoyment. Impeccable service enhances the grand, old-world atmosphere, making it ideal for special occasions.
The Cellar Bar preserves its timeless role as Melbourne's original all-day wine and pasta bar, a welcoming heartbeat for the building. Open from morning until late, it offers simple yet refined Italian fare centered on pasta - think tortellini di zucca with pumpkin and sage, spaghetti alle vongole, or lasagne with pork and veal ragù - alongside classics like cotoletta milanese. The concise, handwritten chalkboard wine list emphasizes Italian selections, with 15–20 by the glass, complemented by cocktails such as the freshly pressed Garibaldi or Martini Piccolo. Aperitivo Hour from 3pm to 6pm Monday to Saturday draws crowds with affordable drinks and antipasti, reinforcing its status as an after-work gathering spot.
A memorable media dinner captured the renewed energy: starting al fresco with a Martini Piccolo and canapés on the Bourke Street pavement, soaking in the vibrant street atmosphere, then moving inside for a four-hour celebration of flavors. From the downstairs grill's bold, fire-kissed dishes to the upstairs elegance and the Cellar Bar's casual charm, the evening highlighted how Edition Group approaches custodianship with reverence and ambition. As Rebecca Yazbek, founder and CEO of Edition Group, noted, taking on Florentino carries enormous responsibility but also immense opportunity to honor its significance while ensuring it remains at the forefront of Australian dining.
Greenlaw echoes this sentiment, emphasizing continuity shaped by seasonality and precision rather than reinvention. The result is a venue that feels both timeless and invigorated - classic sophistication enduring in a modern context. Future design updates will unfold gradually, respecting the heritage building. Open for lunch and dinner across the spaces Monday to Saturday (with varied hours), Florentino invites diners to experience its evolution: a place of memory, ritual, and celebration that continues to write its storied legacy one exceptional meal at a time.