Foglia di Fico

Top tier Italian restaurants. Fresh and high quality ingredients crafted into most delicious dishes with Beautiful presentation. Staff very friendly and attentive (a little too attentive maybe at times😄). Great vibe and overall great experience. Definitely worth a try in a Melbourne with its amazing food scene. Reservation is a must though.

This Italian gem charmed me instantly with its cozy, intimate atmosphere. It’s so small with wall to wall wine. The seafood pasta was perfection—fresh, flavorful, and cooked to the ideal texture. I love a solid Italian spot, Every detail, from the friendly service to the authentic decor, made it feel like a slice of Italy in Melbourne. If you’re craving heartwarming Italian food, this is the place to go.

Our evening began slightly late as we were late to our booking, but seated anyway for which we were very thankful. After being seated in what felt a little bit like Disney’s version of an Italian restaurant we read the disclaimer (pictured) placed on the table, explaining that we might find our food too salty, pasta not al dente, and experience inauthentic, and giving the reasons why. Possibly a clue for later! To be clear, the food was alright. We felt slightly rushed as the kitchen was closing at 8:45, and the food didn’t quite live up to the high price point, but we’ve paid more for worse meals, so I was happy to just pay and leave, giving it a 3.5 or 4 out of 5. Specifically the antipasti and mozzarella was slightly dry, but fine, and the pappardelle was thinner than I’d find in Italy, making the dish a little texturally bland, but honestly no big issues. The serving staff then came to ask how our meal was, and I said “okay”, she then said we’d like to hear your feedback, to which I said I really didn’t want to make a scene and I’d rather just pay and leave, but after repeatedly asking what the problems were I gave the above feedback. Primarily the disclaimer setting the tone for the meal, and the food not quite matching the price point. Again, I said I would rather not make a scene and just head home. At this point other guests were listening in. After waiting twenty minutes to get the bill and leave, the restaurant owner (Jerry) then came over to the table and asked what our issues were. I think he was then trying to explain why things were the way they were, but it came over as very confrontational, and while I asked to pay and leave three times, he continued to confront us about our complaint. Again, I was still happy to pay the bill and just leave. The owner had positioned himself with two other members of staff around our table while confronting us, making it feel very much like we were trapped. After spending longer talking to the staff about a complaint I didn’t want to give than actually eating, the owner eventually said he didn’t need our money, and didn’t want it (a weird thing way to say he’s comping the bill)! to which I actually said I honestly didn’t mind paying for the meal, I just wanted to leave. Finally another customer decided to get involved and criticised me for complaining… when I didn’t even want to! This turned into a bit of a scene and I felt incredibly embarrassed, and so did my wife… on her birthday. We ended up having to essentially push our way out of the restaurant after ASKING to pay the bill and being refused. It’s like the opposite of a dine and dash! From a genuine Italian restaurant I am used to simple and honest food, and incredibly warm (if a little relaxed) service. Unfortunately I didn’t find this here.

Really a great atmosphere, fantastic food and very attentive service, we really enjoyed our experience and would recommend it. Truly a good find.