Melbourne! Zanini Pizzeria: A SLICE OF ITALY IN A QUIET MELBOURNE SUBURB

ZANINI PIZZERIA - 106 ORMOND ROAD, ELWOOD VIC 3184

A traditional Italian meal my Nonna would be happy to eat

It's always hard to go out for Italian when I (Christina) am Italian and my Nonna is the best chef in my life (she would kill me if I said otherwise). But, when Zanini Pizzeria invited us for dinner, well I couldn't say no.  All food and beverages were provided on behalf of Zanini Pizzeria.

Zanini Pizzeria Interior

When walking into the pizzeria in Elwood you hear the waiters and chefs speaking Italian to each other, that's when you know you're in for a good meal. The interior had classic Italian pictures scattered over the wall to make you feel like you're in a small Italian town.

Arancini Balls - $10

We started our dinner with how everyone should start an Italian dinner, with Arancini balls. We went for the meat option which was filled ragù and mozzarella but they do offer a vegetarian option too. They were very traditional, so similar to how my Nonna makes them. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and the mozzarella melted out of the middle.

Gnocchi - $23

For one of our mains we chose the 'Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina' which was homemade potato gnocchi bathed in a beautiful, rich tomato sauce. It was then covered in buffalo mozzarella - because all pasta needs to have cheese. I rarely choose such a simple dish when I am out, but something was pulling me to gnocchi and I am very glad it did. It was such a simple yet beautiful dish. I added chilli oil, because I am a chilli fiend.

Snapper special - $36

Roast Potatoes

We also had the fish special which was a large fillet of snapper with yellow beans and a broccoli cream. This was a lovely and light choice to go with the pasta. The fish was cooked well and the vegetables completed the meal. There was also a serving of roasted potatoes with thyme.

If you're after a traditional Italian meal that is reasonably priced we recommend Zanini's. Everyone who works there is very friendly and accommodating. It truly is the feel of a typical Italian household.