Melbourne has some amazing Italian restaurants, but the majority of them live on Lygon Street, in an exclusive clique. Across the river though, Cafe Di Stasio is the king of the green-white-red. It's a traditional, old-school kinda place, with indulgent pastas and meaty mains. We recommend the seared tuna with fennel, capers and pancetta and the oven baked salad of goat's cheese, tomato and basil for a good mix of indulgence and freshness.
And if you have the stomach real estate, squeeze in the tiramisu. Once you're satiated, take a digestive stroll down the St Kilda, and enjoy the late sunset on the boardwalk — and total lack of weekend crowds and screaming kiddies.
Image: Brook James.