Zoncello Yarra Valley

Overview

If the name Zoncello sounds familiar, it's likely because you enjoyed a glass (or two, or three) of the bubbly, yellow-tinted, too-easy-to-drink Limoncello spritz over the summer. The famed Italian sparkling fizz is so popular that it has now found its own home in Healesville, with Zoncello Yarra Valley opening its doors.  

The new Yarra Valley drinking and dining destination is the second outpost from the group behind Zonzo Estate, which has been in the works for over ten years. Zonzo Estate Director Rod Micallef says of Zonzo's playful little sibling, "Zoncello is a natural extension of the brand. It's about energy, connection and indulgence. Just like our spritzes, the venue is designed to be fun, vibrant, and a little bit brazen, while still deeply rooted in Italian tradition."

Zoncello has taken over the large industrial-style venue that housed Innocent Bystander for many years, which has been reimagined by interior designer Claire Larrit Evans. The brief — to create a space as "effervescent as the drinks themselves" — was met with a layered colour palette of vibrant, summery tones, and surprising textures and finishes.

There are inviting booths that lend themselves to boozy long lunches, extended communal tables perfect for large groups and private dining rooms suited to host lively celebrations. Larrit Evans says she wanted the space to be "vibrant, warm and deeply considered. Zoncello had to be a destination in every sense, rewarding the journey to the Yarra Valley with an experience that feels immersive and memorable."

The menu, designed by Executive Chef David Petrilli, was created to be savoured alongside a fresh spritz in hand. The approachable and easy-to-share Italian menu features an impressive selection of cold cuts, as well as cheesy things and pickled goodies from the in-house salumeria. There is everything from wagyu bresaola to truffle and squid ink salami, to local buffalo mozzarella, dry-cured black olives and Roman artichokes.

While picking at these snacks, alongside a few share plates — we'd go for the charred rye toast with confit tomato and anchovies, the Sicilian fried chicken with chilli and pickled zucchini, and the eggplant croquettes — you could easily down a bottle or two of Zoncello. While you're at it, try the green-hued, world-first Cicchio Pistachio Spritz.      

If you're after something more substantial, there is woodfired pizza, handmade pasta, mains and sides, and Zoncello's signature dish, arrosticini. These skewers of lamb or chicken are cooked over white eucalyptus charcoal, a specialty originating in Italy's Abruzzo region. There is also an 'Italian Party' sharing menu, if you want to sample the best the kitchen has to offer, which is definitely the easy option for large groups. 

Images: Andersen Studios.