Hello dear
Gradi at Crown Melbourne offers an exquisite dining experience, located in the heart of Southbank. This Italian restaurant is celebrated for its wood-fired pizzas and inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both casual lunches and special occasions. Guests rave about the attentive service, with staff like Nataly going above and beyond to create memorable moments. From the crispy, perfectly salted chips to generous portions of fresh ingredients, every dish reflects quality and authenticity. While it’s wise to make a reservation due to its popularity, the delightful flavors and warm ambiance make Gradi a must-visit culinary destination.
About
Welcome to Gradi at Crown Melbourne, an extraordinary culinary destination nestled in the vibrant heart of Southbank. With its prime location at 8 Whiteman St, this Italian restaurant is not just about food; it’s an experience that tantalizes the senses and warms the heart. The picturesque setting of Crown Casino enhances the charm, making it a perfect place for a delightful meal or an intimate gathering.
Gradi boasts a menu brimming with authentic Italian flavors. Renowned for its woodfired pizzas, the restaurant takes pride in using fresh, high-quality ingredients that elevate each dish. Guests rave about the generous portions and the vibrant taste that each pizza brings to the table, ensuring that each bite is a moment to savor. The crispy and perfectly salted skinny chips also receive notable mentions, making them a must-try side offering that complements any meal beautifully.
What truly sets Gradi apart is its commitment to exceptional service. Patrons have shared heartwarming experiences with the attentive staff, such as the delightful interaction with waitress Nataly, who goes above and beyond to make guests feel welcomed. This personalized touch transforms an already delightful meal into a memorable occasion, a sentiment echoed by many diners.
Despite the occasional busyness of this popular spot, the atmosphere remains cozy and inviting. It encapsulates the essence of Italian dining, where laughter and conversation flow just as freely as the food. Reservations are recommended to ensure your spot in this haven of flavors, especially on weekends when the restaurant fills quickly with eager diners.
As a food reviewer, it’s clear that Gradi at Crown Melbourne does an admirable job of balancing quality with the bustling energy of a high-demand location. While some might find the prices on the higher side, it's a reflection of the prime location and the premium experience offered. The combination of friendly service, a delectable menu, and a warm ambiance makes Gradi a destination worth visiting for those seeking a genuine taste of Italy right in the heart of Melbourne.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a classic pizza, a shared platter of cold meats, or a sweet ending with Nutella crepes, Gradi invites you to indulge in a memorable dining experience that keeps patrons returning for more.
“ Five of us for lunch. Shared cheesy garlic foccacia and vulcano foccacia. Cheesy one was good. Then I had a side salad (tomatoes and chickpeas), while husband had salumi misti platter (cold meats and pickled vegetables) while friends had rigatoni bolganese and vegetarian gnocchi. Then they had Nutella crepes, pavlova and cheese platter. Had coffees (decaf soy lattes, flat whites and latte) and Pepsi's. Decor nice however I wouldn't go back, $40 for vegetarian pasta, mains between $45 and $65, not me. ”
“ Rightooo this place is straight up yummmyyy. Pasta is done right. Pizza is superb. Team is great with service. Food also didn't take years to come so it was really well done. Vibe was warm and welcoming. 10/10. Surprisingly prices were alright too! ”
“ I had a brilliant experience at Gradi! The food was delicious, but what truly made the difference was the service. Our waitress, Nataly, was absolutely wonderful, incredibly attentive, friendly, and made us feel very welcome throughout the entire meal. Towards the end, she offered us the special Easter dessert, which was such a lovely gesture and made the experience feel even more personal. Thanks to Nataly, it wasn’t just a good meal, it turned into a memorable one. I’ll definitely be coming back! ”
“ Gradi is a great Italian option to eat at, at crown! However it can be extremely busy and you probably need to make a booking. The chips here are skinny, crispy and salted to perfection. The Woodfire pizza is delicious. However, we had to wait 25 minutes for our sorbet to come out and asked twice for it. Apart from that, the service here is great! ”
“ We had a nice lunch here on Sunday, very cosy and welcoming atmosphere. We ordered a entre, olives, killipatrik oysters and woodfired Focaccia which was beautiful and the we had mains two wopdfired pizza's that were realy generous in portions and excellent in freshness of ingredients. We left happy and full. ”
“ Service and quality of meals were good. Yes , read a few reviews and understand that you could get similar meals for a lower price however you are located at Crown Casino so naturally rent would be a consideration in your pricing. Overall a night out would not disappoint. ”
“ A wonderful spot at Crown with attentive table service and a refined atmosphere. The food was exceptional—beautifully presented and full of flavour. A delightful dining experience from start to finish. ”
“ We stopped by Gradi at Crown on Sunday afternoon for a late lunch and were really pleased with the experience. We started with the herb focaccia and the polpette al sugo (meatballs). Delicious! For our mains, we had the guancia di manzo (beef cheek with mash) which was beautifully cooked and well paired with the creamy mash. The pumpkin risotto was also a highlight, smooth and nicely balanced. For dessert, we opted for the lemon sorbet – light, zesty, and a great way to finish. The service was friendly and attentive. Overall, an enjoyable lunch with great food and a relaxed atmosphere. Would happily return. ”