400 Gradi Mornington

Overview

This two-level Mornington precinct is the latest addition to Johnny di Francesco's award-winning pizza empire, featuring a 400 Gradi restaurant; a Zero Gradi Gelateria and Dessert Bar; and an outpost of di Francesco's delicatessen concept, Gradi Mercato.

Inside, earthy tones, elegant finishes and terrazzo countertops carry on the familiar 400 Gradi aesthetic. Downstairs houses a casual wine and snack bar, plus a chic dining room, while the upstairs restaurant space boasts its own bar, al fresco terrace and balcony with bay views.

A kitchen headed up by Pierre Khodja (Pinchy's, Camus) and 400 Gradi pizzaiolo Giuseppe Fortunato is serving the full lineup of 400 Gradi favourites, alongside a raft of seafood-centric 'al mare' additions inspired by the venue's coastal location. Classics like the meatballs in napoli ($18), spinach-ricotta agnolotti ($34) and the legendary World's Best Pizza titleholder Margherita Verace ($23) sit amongst newcomers including a spaghettini al granchio with lobster bisque and crab meat ($38), and a dish of local mussels cooked on the Josper ($44). A supporting cocktail list employs plenty of creative flair, with sips like a passionfruit and cardamom margarita ($18), a bacon-garnished Breakfast Old Fashioned ($20), and the Ruby Rose Martini sporting a crown of dry ice ($18).

Zero Gradi and Gradi Mercato have their own space on the lower level, with the former slinging the brand's trademark offering of hand-churned gelato and artisan sweet treats. Meanwhile, the deli promises to be a one-stop shop for at-home Italian eats, stocked with ready-to-heat meals, fresh pasta, antipasto trimmings, pantry goods and more.

Breakfast Old Fashioned, by Kristoffer Paulsen

Images: Kristoffer Paulsen