Recent social media posts
04/06/2026
NEW to our wine list and ready for the long weekend! Messapi Negroamaro from Puglia is rich, bold and full of southern Italian character, with layers of ripe blackcurrant, plum and wild berry flavours. Full-bodied and warming, it’s the perfect red for cooler evenings and long dinners with friends.
🍝 Food pairing ideas:
Pairs well with our veal ragù!
“Negroamaro” roughly translates to “black and bitter”—a reference to the grape’s deep colour and pleasantly savoury edge. The variety has been grown in southern Italy for centuries and is one of Puglia’s signature grapes.
03/06/2026
These BALANZONI are on special. Super tasty, made with spinach pasta dough and a traditional mortadella filling. Served with a simple butter and hazelnut sauce. Limited serves available so be quick.
02/06/2026
No plans to leave town this long weekend? We’ve got you covered with drinks, snacks and handmade pasta served all day. Our kitchen is open from 11:30am until late, so gather your crew and stroll in or book a table. We’d love to see you.
01/06/2026
Fresh cavatelli pasta, peas, pork sausage and pangrattato. That’s just one of the four rotating pastas at Martedì this week. Make sure you book a table for $25 pasta & vino - every Tuesday night!
29/05/2026
Do Friday your way. Snacks, drinks, a dessert or complete night out. We got you. Book a table via our website.
28/05/2026
ALLO SCOGLIO - a classic Italian seafood pasta found most commonly in coastal regions like Campania, Puglia and Sicilia. The name literally translates to ‘pasta on the rocks or reef’ referring to shellfish and seafood gathered from rocky shorelines. We serve ours with calamarata pasta - thick tubular rings that look almost exactly like sliced calamari which is where it gets its name from. It’s the perfect seafood pairing!
27/05/2026
⚽️ Italia OUT, Socceroos IN! So we’re ditching the Peroni and panini for VBs and dimmies. Seriously.
All Aussie games will be shown live on the big screen upstairs in “La Galleria”. Come join the party.
If you’re a super football fan, these events are for you. Let’s gather together and cheer our hearts out with people who value community and connection. All football colours welcome. Capacity is limited so get your tickets early - Link in bio.
Each ticket gets you:
- guaranteed entry to the exclusive telecast
- a beer, wine or softdrink
- your choice of snack from our Aussie “tavola calda” (think dimmies, party pies, sausage rolls)
Purchase entry for a specific match OR guarantee a spot for all three Socceroos group matches with our ‘Group Stage Bundle’.
Full bar will be available with a small snack menu. If you’d prefer a full meal, we invite you to make a booking downstairs before or after the match.
Umberto Espresso Bar has been telecasting World Cups, Euros and qualifiers for 17 years! We love continuing to build a community around our passion for coffee, pasta and football. FORZA SOCCEROOS!
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1990059213679?aff=oddtdtcreator
26/05/2026
Cavatelli, made from scratch - exclusive to Martedì ($25 pasta & vino every Tuesday). Tonight we’re serving these little guys with pork sausage, peas and pangrattato. Jump online to nab the last tables.
25/05/2026
NEW MARTEDÌ MENU! Choose a pasta and a drink for a steal at $25. Every Tuesday night at Umberto Espresso Bar. Jump online and book a table. Walk-ins welcome.
24/05/2026
This is your friendly reminder - if you’re thinking about celebrating a milestone this winter, you’re in luck!
We’re here to help get the party started with up to $450 worth of freebies for all private functions held in La Galleria this June and July.
What’s included?
- complimentary prosecco on arrival
- free linen
- complimentary signage
- zero cakeage fees
We’ve been hosting your special occasions for over 16 years so whether you’re celebrating a milestone, birthday, engagement, wedding (or divorce party), we know how to create a good time with delicious food, excellent wine and warm hospitality.
La Galleria Capacity
Seated: 20-34
Cocktail style: up to 70
To snap up this offer, book by the end of May.
Enquire now and quote code: PROSECCO26
Email [email protected]
*T&Cs + min. spends apply
22/05/2026
Grab dinner and drinks in La Galleria on Level 1 this weekend. We’ve just opened up bookings for Friday and Saturday night. Book a table. Walk-ins welcome.
21/05/2026
Just in and we’re loving this Casale Vecchio Montepulciano D’Abruzzo. Ripe red fruits and warm spice, this vino is beautifully structured with elegant tannins and a long warming finish. Pair it with our bistecca tagliata or egg pappardelle with lamb ragù.
20/05/2026
RAGU DI AGNELLO CON PAPPARDELLE - slow cooked lamb ragu served with our egg pappardelle. This one is already flying out the door. Rich and freakin delicious, best enjoyed with our wine special, Casale Vecchio Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC 2023.
19/05/2026
At Umberto Espresso Bar, our favourite days of the week begin with T.
18/05/2026
$25 PASTA & VINO every Tuesday from 5pm! Come join the party 🎉
15/05/2026
It’s no secret we love grappa, and we’ve got an excellent selection to work your way through, including these gorgeous new additions. This is how we’ll be staying warm this winter 😁
14/05/2026
Now on special for lunch and dinner - TORTELLI DI ZUCCA CON B***O, SALVIA E BALSAMICO
Pumpkin filled tortelli with brown butter, sage and balsamic
13/05/2026
🤍 Celebrating the C’s… Christenings, Communions, Confirmations?
If there’s ever an excuse for a long private lunch, this is it.
At Umberto Espresso Bar, we’ll set the table, pour the wine and take care of the cooking so you can focus on the hugs, the stories and the second (or third) serve of pasta.
You bring the family. We’ll handle the rest.
Come and view our spaces that can accommodate between 10-34 people for a seated function.
To make an enquiry, shoot us an email [email protected]
12/05/2026
Good night for $25 pasta & vino, every Tuesday!
10/05/2026
Here’s gorgeous Mamma Joanie and baby Marco, 1980. Just a regular day at home hanging out in the kitchen - Joanie with chux in hand and Marco already setting trends with his terry towelling trackies.
It’s often these everyday moments (the ones that feel small at the time), that end up meaning the most.
This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the Mammas who’ve fed us, fussed over us, and held us all together ❤️
09/05/2026
Next week at MARTEDÌ! Tuesdays never tasted this good. See you there.
08/05/2026
NEW exhibition in our Spazio Arte by Megan Johnstone. A local Melbourne-based abstract artist and elected Signatory Member of the Victorian Artists Society (VAS), Megan works in mixed media using water-based paints, acrylic inks, gel plate monoprints, and collage.
The primary inspiration for Megan’s work comes from the natural environment with her current series on exhibition in our dining room shining a spotlight on Lake Takapo in New Zealand. Her interpretations of iconic landmarks, aim to invite close reflection on nature’s unique colours, forms, purity, and fragility.
Swing by to admire Megan’s work when you next visit. All works are for sale. You can explore more of her work
07/05/2026
We can’t wait to spoil Mamma on Sunday. We’re fully booked for lunch, but we still have tables available for dinner. Here are this week’s specials…
POLPO CON GUAZZETTO DI COZZE
Charred Fremantle octopus, chickpea and mussel guazzetto & salmoriglio with a hint of chilli
TORTELLI DI ZUCCA CON B***O, SALVIA E BALSAMICO
Pumpkin filled tortelli with brown butter, sage and balsamic
06/05/2026
RECEIVE UP TO $450 WORTH OF FREEBIES IN MAY, JUNE & JULY!
We love helping you celebrate your special occasions! So we’re getting the party started with up to $450 worth of freebies for all private functions held in La Galleria this May, June and July.
Enquire today and quote code: PROSECCO26
Email [email protected]
Book by the end of May to snap up this offer.
*T&Cs + min. spends apply
05/05/2026
You’ll find all your favourites on the menu this Mother’s Day. Join us for à la carte dining for lunch, dinner and every thing in between ❤️
Address
917 High Street
Thornbury, VIC
3071
To get to High Street in Melbourne, you can take either a tram or a train. If you choose to take the tram, catch the number 86 tram from Bourke Street towards Bundoora RMIT and alight at Stop 33. Alternatively, you can take the train to Northcote Station and walk down High Street towards your destination. If you are driving, there is limited street parking available on High Street as well as nearby car parks for hourly rates.
Opening Hours
| Wednesday |
11:30am - 9:30pm |
| Thursday |
11:30am - 9:30pm |
| Friday |
11:30am - 9:30pm |
| Saturday |
11:30am - 9:30pm |
| Sunday |
11:30am - 9:30pm |
Alerts
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What people say
Italian restaurants are known for their delicious food, warm hospitality, and inviting ambiance. Umberto Espresso Bar on High Street in Melbourne is no exception. This Italian restaurant and cafe is a Thornbury icon that offers an exceptional dining experience to its customers.
One of the best things about Umberto Espresso Bar is its dedicated functions team that can help bring any celebration together. With five unique spaces to choose from, they can cater to both large and small groups, offering AV facilities at both Umberto Espresso Bar and Joanie's Baretto. Whether you're after something private or a more casual group booking, their team can make it happen.
Umberto Espresso Bar also has a new opportunity for a part-time role as Functions & Special Events Manager. The successful candidate will work in a small team with six unique spaces to sell, requiring drive, autonomy, and attention to detail to deliver high-quality events.
The food at Umberto Espresso Bar is simply amazing. Their house pasta special this week is saffron spaghetti with Moreton Bay Bug - perfect for a winter's day! You can easily make a booking online via their website.
Overall, Umberto Espresso Bar is an excellent choice for anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine in Melbourne. With its warm hospitality and inviting ambiance, it's the perfect place to celebrate any occasion or simply enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family.
