Times New Roman

13/20Updated September 24, 2026,first published October 27, 2025Affordable spaghetti, wine and penchant for Cheezels.“And here are your Cheezels,” says a cheerful waiter, putting down a box of the popular ring-shaped snack. It’s a sign they’re doing things differently here. The other major distinction between this 60-seat bistro and just about every other place in Melbourne is that a bowl of Napoletana with herb oil starts at $6. The menu is mostly pasta with simple sauces.Spaghetti comes with anchovy, tuna, chilli and capers; garlicky mushroom is cooked out with white wine. Rigatoni is rumbled with bolognese or herby pesto. You can stick to nibbles too, building a fridge-rummage of chunky pickles, hard cheese, olives, ricotta and the like, or letting the chefs turn it into an easygoing snack plate.It’s a whole lot of “why not?” here. Those Cheezels. Half portions. Jugs of punch and prosecco on tap. Clams because they’re abundant and cheap this week. It’s a happy meeting place between money and mouth.Good to know: There are cherry margaritas for $13.Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.Sign upLast visited: 2025More:Brunswick EastTimes New RomanMelbourneItalianOutdoor diningGood for groupsBudget friendlyVegetarian-friendlyGood for solo dinersDate nightRestaurantReviewsGood Food GuideFrom our partners