Mediterranean-inspired bars and restaurants have become commonplace across the city. They're heroing minimalist design features with plenty of natural finishes. Spritz menus are now a thing. And classic Euro-centric bites — especially simply-prepared seafood — are everywhere. This kind of food pairs well with lighter, juicier wines (plus beloved pét-nats), which are increasingly popular. We're not unhappy about this trend. The Mediterranean style of dining, which can range from light snacking and sipping wine to full-on feasting, is excellent. And Lucia in South Melbourne certainly capitalises on this trend. But it isn't simply jumping on the bandwagon. The owners, Frank Ciorciari and Anthony Silvestre, have already created a handful of charming European wine bars and restaurants in Melbourne, including Riserva and Baia Di Vino, and the beautiful bakery Breadcetera in Malvern East. The luxurious menu features numerous seafood specialties, which adapt to the seasons. This spring, Lucia is leaning into Italian classics and generous plates suited for long lunches and leisurely evenings. A stellar selection of light, snacky plates spans everything from lobster tacos with citrus dressing to carpaccio with anchovy mayo and crispy artichoke, burrata with pea and jalapeño dressing to grilled calamari and tempura prawn-filled zucchini flowers. Hearty mains include rigatoni with white wine braised veal osso buco, fusilli with Italian sausage and broccoli, and a herb- and parmesan-crusted veal cutlet with sauce gribiche. There are also simply prepared proteins like a whole market gish or the butcher's cut of the day, that pair perfectly with sides such as lentil salad with herbs or grilled asparagus with goats cheese. Head Sommelier Simone Garro oversees Lucia's wine program and has curated a 400-strong wine list spanning a range of price points, regions, and grape varieties. For those who want to try rare drops without buying a super expensive bottle, Garro has even made a few available by the glass using a Coravin. There are also Euro-inspired cocktails and a hefty selection of digestives and aperitifs. In addition to the leisurely dining room, Via Lucia Mercato, the restaurant's casual takeaway extension, has opened to offer gourmet grab-and-go options for locals and visitors. With dedicated access off Eastern Road, the mercato is designed for morning coffees, healthy takeaway lunches, and a place to pop in for a convenient, tasty dinner. Ciorciari says, "With Breadcetera, we saw how much people value being able to pick up good food that feels thoughtful but easy. In South Melbourne, we felt there was room for something similar to Lucia — somewhere you could grab a coffee, build a proper lunch, or take something home for dinner without it feeling formal. Via Lucia Mercato grew from that." Via Lucia serves simple, quality staples, including pastries (from Austro), coffee (from Lavazza), paninis, seasonal vegetables, and fresh salads, with rotating proteins such as chicken schnitzel. "We wanted it to feel useful to the neighbourhood. Good food, made properly, that you can take with you. It's connected to Lucia, but it stands on its own as a more casual, flexible way to eat," says Silvestre. Taking cues from Breadcetera, Via Lucia functions as a neighbourhood pantry offering gourmet staples and an elevated range of everyday items. Find shelves stocked with Tarralinga Estate olive oil, Lello pasta, and wines from both European and Australian producers. Images: Michael Pham.
