Johnny, Vince and Sam’s Ristorante

I have wanted to visit this ristorante for a long time! So first trip down to Melbourne from the central coast of NSW, this was top of our list! Lisa, our waitress was awesome! Very attentive with lots of suggestions. We visited a Monday night around 6ish with a short wait before being seated and seen to very quickly once seated. My grandmother was Sicilian so for me it felt like eating back at her table again. We opted for Nonna’s pick. 2 of us are gluten intolerant and the menu was able to cater to that. Take the time to enjoy the original decor before you go. Would love to come back again!!

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of dining at a fantastic Italian restaurant in the heart of Melbourne, and while the food was undeniably top-tier—some of the freshest pasta and most flavourful sauces I’ve had in years—the real standout of the evening was our incredible server, Jake. From the moment we walked in, Jake made us feel welcome. With a relaxed, confident vibe and a warm smile, he greeted us like old friends, setting the tone for an exceptional night. He struck the perfect balance of being professional yet personable—friendly without being too familiar, attentive without hovering. Jake knew the menu inside and out. He didn’t just list the specials—he told us the stories behind them. Whether it was explaining where the seafood was sourced or how the gnocchi was handmade that morning, he spoke with genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge. When we asked for wine recommendations, he didn’t hesitate to offer thoughtful pairings, including a bottle that was both affordable and absolutely perfect with our mains. What really impressed me was how smoothly Jake handled dietary restrictions. I mentioned I was gluten-sensitive, and without skipping a beat, he ran through the gluten-free options and even offered to speak with the kitchen to adapt a couple of dishes. His attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile made a huge difference—it felt like nothing was too much trouble. Throughout the evening, Jake’s timing and awareness were spot on. Our drinks were never empty, our plates were cleared discreetly, and the pacing between courses was flawless. Even though the restaurant was packed, Jake never seemed rushed. He was calm, composed, and in total control of the space around him. But what really made Jake exceptional was his energy. You could tell he genuinely loved his job. When he talked about the tiramisu, he did it with such pride that we couldn’t resist trying it—and it turned out to be the best we’ve ever had. At the end of the meal, he surprised us with a round of complimentary limoncello and a warm thank-you for spending our night there. It was a classy, personal touch that left a lasting impression. In a city known for its food and hospitality, it takes a lot for a server to stand out—but Jake did, effortlessly. He turned what would’ve been a great meal into a truly memorable experience. It’s not every day you meet someone who’s not just good at their job, but clearly passionate about it. If you’re in Melbourne and looking for authentic Italian food with service that goes above and beyond, this restaurant is a must-visit—and if you’re lucky enough to be served by Jake, you’re in for a real treat. He’s the kind of server that every restaurant wishes they had—professional, passionate, and unforgettable.