Overview
D.O.C has played a significant role in the development of Melbourne's contemporary Italian dining scene ever since it opened its first Carlton site back in 1997. It blends warm and friendly old-school Italian hospitality with modern interiors and less-than-traditional cooking techniques and flavours — creating a roadmap for other Melbourne Italian restaurants to follow.
D.O.C. has since spread across Melbourne with sites in Southbank and Mornington Peninsula, as well as a location in Sydney's Surry Hills. And now, the crew has officially fired up the pizza oven and opened its doors at their newest restaurant on The Esplanade in St Kilda.
D.O.C St Kilda has set up shop across from Alfred Square and looks out over St Kilda Beach making it a mighty fine spot for spritz sipping and sunset viewings. The 100-seat restaurant has a heap of outdoor seating plus a few covetable seats by the open kitchen.
Guests will catch some D.O.C favourites found across all the group's sites, including classic pizzas, veal and pork lasagna and boozy tiramisu (one of the best in town).
And as this is a seaside venture, Head Chef Luca Quadri and Group Executive Chef Tom Jones-Davies have added a stack of St Kilda-exclusive seafood dishes to the offerings. Expect to find a grilled fish of the day, a platter of lightly fried fish and seafood fritti (right now, this consists of calamari, sardines and prawns), a vongole bucatini, and a regular rotation of seasonal pizzas — with seafood currently gracing one. The campanelle pasta served with duck and Montenegro ragu is another exclusive dish for those wanting to pass on the pesce.
D.O.C Director Michael Costanzo says that "the menu represents a glimpse into dining in Italy's present day. I hope guests are ready to enjoy a modern take on classic Italian hospitality."
Beachgoers can also easily pop in to nab some of the daily house-made gelatos that'll include flavours like balsamic and grilled peach and Frangelico and hazelnut.
DOC St Kilda is the seventh notch in the group's restaurant belt and the very first with seaside views.
You'll find D.O.C St Kilda at 14–16 The Esplanade, St Kilda, open 5pm–late from Monday to Thursday and 12pm–late from Friday to Sunday. For more information, head to the restaurant group's website.
Images: Pete Dillon