Overview
Catching a glimpse of the price of petrol right now is enough to make you wince, but one local hospitality group is helping diners tackle rising costs with a money-saving initiative.
Throughout April, ElPiet Group's trio of restaurants is running the 'Fuel on Us' campaign, where guests are reimbursed up to 50 percent of their transport costs, capped at $25 per visit. So, whether you turn up in a ride-share, a taxi, or your own car, just present a valid receipt to see the amount deducted from your final bill.
"We're a small business, built by the community around us. This is just our way of giving something small back — helping people still enjoy a night out without worrying about every extra cost," says ElPiet co-owner Omar El Deek.
If you're ready to head out without the stress of transport costs, the restaurants getting involved include Cosi Bar Ristorante, a South Yarra institution that's celebrating 30 years of serving top-notch Italian cuisine in 2026.
Just around the corner on Murphy Road, the Fuel on Us campaign continues at sister restaurant Cucinetta Melbourne. You might know it from their attention-grabbing 29-cheese gnocchi, an in-house tradition that appears on the menu for a limited time each year.
Finally, you're welcome to dine at Vaporetto Bar & Eatery — a Venetian-style restaurant in Hawthorn, featuring old-school hospitality and traditional Italian cuisine that comes with a regional seafood slant.
"Getting to the restaurant shouldn't be the reason someone stays home," says El Deek. "If we can share that cost, even in a small way, it makes a difference."
ElPiet Group's 'Fuel on Us' campaign is running throughout April, available in South Yarra at Cosi Bar Ristorante and Cucinetta Melbourne, and Vaporetto Bar & Eatery in Hawthorn. Head to Instagram for more information.
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