Caterina's Cucina E Bar

Caterina's is a Melbourne institution and has been here for 28 years. Caterina herself, ageless and full of enthusiasm as she has always been.
This is a place for good hearty Italian food. I am amazed by the staff's ability to memorise and rattle off the list of specials (probably longer than the menu!) Good wine list, reasonably priced and Riedel stemware to bring out the best of the wine varietal. And of course, for me, no meal is complete without requesting for a serve of the "Man's Salad" (french fries for those who are wondering).

2 Aug 22.
My second visit to Caterina's in 4 weeks.
I had the venison special. - absolutely superb!
Definitely "5 Stars " service and food quality. Judging from the faces of other diners here, I am sure they would agree too.

I just discovered Caterina's Cucina E Bar. I can't believe it has been there for 28 years and I never went there. It is a bit hard to find I admit as it is in a basement but definitely worth it! Brilliant very traditional food, a huge wine list, great atmosphere and friendly staff. They just got their last 2 kgs of morels and I loved my morels linguini! A beautiful place for lunch in the city, I'll be back soon to try more dishes on the extensive menu. A great find for me!

One of Melbourne's Best Restaurant with Service Food Wine List at the very best you can get one of my favourites

I love the atmosphere of Caterina’s. The service team are attentive, experienced and consistent, making it feel comfortable and want you to come back again and again.
An authentic Italian Restaurant experience in the heart of Melbourne CBD.
I’ll be back!

I attended a function at Catarina‘s where there were many people and a couple of groups. The staff were thoughtful and separated our coats into two areas.
Unfortunately, a lady who left before me took my coat instead of hers – they were practically the same, except that she had a scarf tucked into a sleeve, and it was in a different area.
Tanya, one of the waiting staff members, had the presence of mind to ask the lady to check the jacket, and when the lady mentioned that her scarf was missing, to get a business card from her.
Had it been not been for Tanya‘s presence of mind, I would’ve never had my jacket returned to me. I was very impressed by the quality of the service.

Caterina’s knows what it wants to be and delivers in spades. Standard Italian fare done well. Sting you on the drinks ($14 Menabreas - are you serious?) but they know their market - large groups not overly worried about where the cost lands - “we’re all having fun right? ”. I’d certainly go again but would ask to see the seemingly top secret drinks list before ordering beers. There’s a very good wine list and we stumbled on some good wines for (just) under $100.

In my Top 5 fine dining restaurants! Amazing food and a vast selection of wine. Exceptional service from staff, manager Tania and Caterina herself.
Will definitely go back

An authentic taste of Italy in the middle of Melbourne. It’s a must visit - I can almost guarantee that you will continue to return. M

My all time favourite place to dine & attend a function at. Exquisite, authentic Italian food & the staff are extremely attentive, knowledgeable & friendly. All the 5 star reviews are certainly very well deserved! Bravi!

Omg this place is amazing, what a treat it was to have competent, polite, and attentive staff. The ambience was lovely and the food was all perfectly presented and tasted amazing.

Che buono!
We spent lunch at Caterina’s and it was fabulous. The dishes were just so tasty and delicious and the staff very friendly!

Wow! This place is a real hidden gem. Tucked in the basement of 221 Queens St, you’d never know it’s there. When the lifts opened directly into the restaurant, it was like we were transported to a rustic restaurant somewhere in Italy. Staff were super attentive and courteous. Best of all, the crumbed pork chop was done to perfected and that cheesey slaw was just yum! Also had some specials of the day - duck prosciutto and whipped salted cod roe on brioche:) everything tasted amazing and just such a nice find! Will be back to try other things on the menu! Love love love!

Went here for lunch, service was absolutely terrible. I asked a waitress if I could order food and she went off and said yes she will get someone. Nobody came, I asked another waitress to order food and she said, yes I'll just get someone. Nobody came. Third time lucky. Finally when somebody did come to take my order, they had no idea what the gnocchi was and asked if I wanted the mash potatoes. I pointed at the option on the menu and she went off to ask someone about it. When my order was finally taken the waitress walked off and then another person came to read me what the specials were.okay. The same kind of thing happened when I asked to pay the bill. 2 different waitresses I had to ask. Then her receipt got jammed and asked me to hang on. I just walked out. Frustrating place. The food was also quite average.

*In response to your comment below, you are absolutely off your trolley if you think my food order was taken 8 minutes after I sat down.more like my water order was taken 8 minutes afterwards, I wasn't even given a food menu for absolutely ages, I had to ask for one. Not sure where you are getting these made up time frames from and I did not complain about melbourne traffic on the phone to your staff. I simply said I'm stuck in traffic, would it be an issue if i arrived 30 minutes late? Your response is just an example of how unprofessional the customer service is in this place and I'm not the only one to mention this it seems, from past bad reviews.

Old school professional hospitality at its best! Catarina and her team are just outstanding in any aspect of service and food…. Will be back many more times and will recommend to anyone. Well done and thank you for looking after us so well.

Awful service and food is absolutely horrible. Not fine dining at all, not sure how they have a chefs hat. Who is giving out these bloody chefs hats to restaurants? Wild.

My husband and I just love this place! I have never seen my husband get emotional over food before! I hope this Iconic place just keeps going on forever. It is Italian food at its best, served with care and passion. One of the great meals of our life!

Wow, a last minute find but so happy we did. Table for 7 was great and food even better! Wine was well priced and food choices were excellent. Staff knowledgeable and accommodating. A surprisingly great last minute lunch.

Truly no words can describes this place from service, atmosphere, friendliness and food truly superb
We enjoyed everything we ordered and if you need some beautiful time with your ️ one’s this is truly the place.

Such a good restaurant. Very long lunch. Daily specials are always the go to. Great wine list. Service is attentive and very personal. Highly recommend.

We have been eating at Caterina's multiples times in the last 12 years and every time we are stoked with how authentic their menu is.
The service is outstanding, all the staff is always attentive even when the restaurant is fully booked. Today was a clear example,
Caterina and her team clearly know what they are doing to make your dining experience amazingly impeccable.
Grazie and Bravo!