Finding a restaurant that delights both parents and kids is no small feat. Luckily, Roccella in East Melbourne hits that sweet spot. We were recently invited to dine at Roccella with our family, and from the moment we arrived, we felt right at home. This Italian eatery (conveniently located across from Fitzroy Gardens) promised great food and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere – and it truly delivered.
Warm Italian Welcome
Stepping into Roccella, we immediately felt the “warmth of southern Italian hospitality” they pride themselves on. The staff greeted us like old friends, waving at our kids and making sure we had everything we needed. The space manages to be both elegant and comfortable, with a lively, bustling atmosphere where a little kid’s excitement won’t bother anyone. You can tell there’s a sense of tradition in the air too – not surprising, since Roccella’s menu is built on generations of family recipes.
It’s the kind of place where you feel like part of the family. Our children instantly relaxed (crayons and coloring sheets magically appeared), and we knew we were in for a special night.
Parkside Location & Picnic Potential
One of Roccella’s big advantages is its perfect location – right across the road from the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens . We easily found street parking and noticed a playground in the park across the street, which is ideal if you need to let the kids burn off some energy before or after dinner.
We saw a few families doing takeaway from Roccella and setting up impromptu picnics in the Gardens. I can’t blame them – the idea of enjoying authentic Italian food on a picnic rug with that greenery view is tempting! For us, though, dine-in was the plan, and we loved how the restaurant’s big windows let us peek at the park’s trees while we ate. It’s truly nestled in a lovely spot that makes a family outing easy: dinner at Roccella and a stroll through Fitzroy Gardens go hand-in-hand.
Starters to Savor
We kicked off our feast with some of Roccella’s signature antipasti. First up was Nonna’s Meatballs, and let me tell you – Nonna knows best! Roccella’s famous Nonna’s Meatballs are served in cherry tomato sugo on creamy polenta. These tender beef meatballs came nestled in a rich cherry tomato sugo (sauce) on a bed of creamy polenta, exactly as comforting as it sounds.
The portion was perfect for sharing, and the meatballs were bite-sized, which made it easy for our kids to enjoy without too much mess. The combination of tangy tomato sauce and velvety polenta was a hit with our whole table – we mopped up every last bit.
Our other starter, Pepata di Cozze alla Tarantina, was a bowl of steamed mussels in a light tomato and garlic broth. The mussels were plump and fresh, and the broth had a lovely briny sweetness with a hint of chilli. They served it with slices of crusty sourdough bread on the side, which we eagerly used to soak up that flavorful sauce. Even our usually picky older child was curious about the mussels and ended up dipping bread into the sauce (a victory for adventurous eating!). These starters set the tone – homestyle recipes, done with high-quality ingredients, and great for sharing as a family.
Hearty Mains: Pasta, Parmigiana & More
For our mains, we decided to try a bit of everything – from seafood to classic comfort. Casarecce alla Pescatora was my personal favorite of the night. The Casarecce alla Pescatora is loaded with fresh seafood – a must-try for pasta lovers. This dish is a seafood lover’s dream: al dente casarecce pasta tossed in a cherry tomato sugo with mussels, tender calamari rings, clams, and even pieces of barramundi fish.
It had a touch of chilli and garlic, giving it a beautiful frutti di mare (seafood) flavor. My spouse and I kept remarking how generous the seafood portions were – every forkful had a bite of the ocean. Our kids mostly stuck to the meatballs and pizza, but I noticed even our nine-year-old sneaking a taste of the pasta (perhaps lured by those mild chilli aromas!). This pasta was rustic and hearty, the kind of dish that instantly transports you to a seaside trattoria.
Meanwhile, the Pollo Parmigiana was an immediate hit with the kids (no surprise there). Roccella’s Pollo Parmigiana comes with a bone-in chicken breast, topped with sugo and buffalo mozzarella, plus golden thick-cut chips. I loved that the chicken was bone-in, which kept it extra tender and flavorful (and felt authentically home-style). There was plenty for us to share around. Let’s just say there were no leftovers of the parmigiana – the kids polished it off, and my husband declared it one of the best he’s had in ages.
We also ordered the Pan Fried Barramundi, as a lighter option for the seafood fans at the table (a.k.a. me!). Pan Fried Barramundi with a tangy mix of tomatoes, olives, red onion and capers – a lighter yet flavorful option. This dish was beautifully presented: a pan-seared fillet of barramundi resting on a medley of cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion and capers, drizzled with olive oil. It was like a little Mediterranean sunshine on a plate. The fish was cooked just right – moist flakes, crispy skin – and the tangy olive-caper salsa on top cut through with bright, zesty notes. After the richer dishes, I really appreciated how fresh and light the barramundi felt. If you have a family member who claims to “not like fish,” Roccella’s preparation might change their mind. My husband isn’t usually a fish person but kept stealing bites of this one!
Wood-Fired Pizza Pleasures
Of course, no Italian family dinner is complete without pizza. Roccella’s pizzas are wood-fired with dough that’s been given time to develop flavour – their sourdough pizza bases are fermented for up to 72 hours. You can taste it in the crust, which managed to be both light and chewy, with a great tang. We ordered two very different pizzas to please both the kids and the grown-ups.
For the kids (and the kid in all of us) we got a Margherita pizza. It’s the ultimate test of a pizzeria – simple but so easy to love. Roccella’s Margherita passed with flying colours, featuring a perfect balance of tangy tomato, melty fior di latte mozzarella, and fresh basil on that airy crust. Our children dove into these slices happily, and we might have snagged a piece or two ourselves.
Then came the showstopper: Smokey Ananas – Roccella’s inventive twist on the hotly-debated Hawaiian pizza. The Smokey Ananas pizza – Roccella’s gourmet take on Hawaiian – with smoked pineapple, prosciutto, stracciatella cheese and balsamic vincotto glaze. This pizza absolutely stole the show for the adults at our table. As the name hints, it’s topped with smoked & charred pineapple, which adds a deep sweet-smoky flavor unlike any pineapple pizza we’ve tried before. Along with that comes strips of 24-month aged prosciutto and creamy stracciatella cheese, all drizzled with a tangy-sweet balsamic vincotto glaze . (Yes, you read that right – this is a fancy Hawaiian!) The result is an incredible balance of smoky, savory, and sweet.
We had a little family debate about pineapple on pizza beforehand – it can be polarizing – but one bite of the Smokey Ananas and we all agreed it was spectacular. Even one of our kids, who usually picks the pineapple off, gobbled this down. If you’re a Hawaiian pizza lover, this will be heaven; if you’re a skeptic, it just might convert you. It’s that good.
We also tried the Tartufo pizza, which was a truffle lover’s dream. The Tartufo pizza – an earthy blend of truffle paste, mushrooms, prosciutto, and a drizzle of truffle oil. This pizza comes on a base spread with aromatic truffle paste, then topped with fior di latte, sautéed mushrooms, and thin slices of prosciutto, finished with a drizzle of truffle oil. The moment it hit the table, the truffle aroma turned heads (our 10-year-old exclaimed “What smells so good?!”). The flavour was rich and earthy without being overpowering. It felt like a very grown-up pizza, though that didn’t stop our kiddos from trying a piece out of curiosity. If you love truffles, do not miss this one – my husband and I kept coming back for “just one more” slice. Between the Smokey Ananas and the Tartufo, we were in pizza paradise, savouring two very different flavour profiles. And thanks to that long-matured dough, even the crusts were delicious – no slice left behind!
Sweet Endings with Gelato
After all those courses, we were nearly too full for dessert… but who can say no to gelato? To our kids’ delight, Roccella has a charming gelato cart for dessert service. What better way to end a family meal than with scoops of authentic gelato from Roccella’s cute gelato cart? An array of gelati was rolled out, showcasing classic flavours like chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, and a very refreshing lemon sorbet. It was like a carnival moment – our children’s eyes went wide as they pondered their flavour choices.
We let each of them pick two small scoops (a big decision when you’re little!). The gelato was the real deal: silky, not overly sweet, and bursting with flavour. I loved the hazelnut gelato, while the kids declared the chocolate and strawberry combo their favourites. The whole gelato cart experience just capped off the evening on a playful note – the kids felt like it was a special treat just for them, and honestly, the adults were just as giddy to indulge.
Gluten-Free & Vegetarian Options: Roccella makes sure no one is left out. They offer a full range of gluten-free and vegetarian (even vegan) options to cater to all dietary needs, including a special gluten-free pizza base developed by their chef. We noticed several marked menu items for our friends with gluten intolerance – it’s a relief to know you can bring along anyone and they’ll be well-fed.
By the end of the evening, we were fully satisfied and already planning our next visit. We came hungry and definitely left smiling (and maybe a little too full – the sign of a great meal!).
If you’re looking for an Italian restaurant that can please the adults, spoil the kids, and maybe even become your family’s go-to spot, Roccella is worth a visit. Buon appetito!
📍Roccella – 158 Clarendon St, East Melbourne
📅 Open 7 Days 8:00am — Late
ciao@roccellamelbourne.com.au
East Melb (03) 9416 1700
Melbourne with Kidz (MWK) 
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