Recent social media posts
21/09/2026
Three takes on an Iralian icon. š
Celebrate Negroni Week at Bottega Melbourne with your pick of this classic aperitivo.
š“Classic Negroni: gin, Campaign & Cinzano Rosso
š Negroni Spagliato: Campari, Cinnamon Rosso & Prosecco
āŖļøWhite Negroni: Pink gin, white vermouth, bergamot liqueur & elderflower liqueur.
Which one are you ordering first?
11/09/2026
Next year, Bottega turns 25. Thatās a lot of pasta, celebrations, first dates, long lunches and evenings that went on a little longer than planned.
As we get ready to look back over the years, weād love to hear your favourite Bottega memory.
To enter, simply:
Share your story in the comments below or send it to us by DM (if you don't feel comfortable sharing publicly). Thatās it!
It might be a milestone celebrated around our tables, something funny or special that happened, a dish you still remember or simply a great night with people you love.
Weāll choose three favourite stories, with each winner receiving a double pass to the 2026 ST. ALi Italian Film Festival.
Entries close midnight 31st September 2026. Winners will be contacted by DM.
Each double pass is valued at $58 and can be redeemed for any general festival session at Palace Cinemas. Not valid for other special events or screenings at Cinema Nova.
This competition is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram.
10/09/2026
Nine years ago, a younger (and slightly curlier haired) Axel Archenti joined the Bottega kitchen.
Since then, he has gone from strength to strength, becoming our Head Chef and leading a brilliant team delivering some of Melbourneās finest modern Italian food.
Axel brings a little of his Northern Italian home to Bottega, with dishes from his region and inspiration drawn from across Italy. His care for exceptional produce and high standards have become an important part of who we are.
Next year will be a big one: ten years for Axel, just as Bottega turns 25. For now, happy nine year anniversary Chef!
01/09/2026
ā¤ļø The Heart of Hospitality.
Last night, Denis Lucey was named the 2026 Heart of Hospitality Award winner at the Hostplus ARCA Gala, recognising his contribution to the industry through nearly 45 years of hospitality.
And what a contribution it has been.
Denis started in hospitality at 19, learning his craft in some of Melbourneās great dining rooms and working alongside people who helped shape the cityās restaurant culture.
Over the decades that followed, he went on to play his own part in shaping Melbourne hospitality as we know it today.
But perhaps his greatest contribution is the people.
Across almost 25 years at Bottega, and the many restaurants Denis has been part of throughout his career, countless people have come through the doors to work alongside him. He has given people opportunities, shared what he knows, backed talent and helped shape careers. Many have gone on to do extraordinary things of their own and, in turn, influence the next generation of our industry.
That legacy continues today across Bottega, Luxsmith, The Vic and Yardbird, with another generation of hospitality people learning, growing and making their mark.
It was also wonderful to celebrate alongside fellow winners Jackie Middleton and Su May Ng, and so many people who continue to make this industry what it is.
A huge thank you to ARCA for this recognition, and for celebrating the people who dedicate so much to Australian hospitality.
Nearly 45 years in, Denis is still opening restaurants, still worrying about whether the dining room is full, and still loving it.
Now that sounds like the Heart of Hospitality to us.
Congratulations, Denis. We couldnāt be prouder.
27/08/2026
At Bottega, pasta starts with flour, eggs and a pair of very talented hands. Or, in this case, four. š
Every strand, sheet and shape is made from scratch in our kitchen by the team behind Bottega.
Here are Axel and Federica making it look particularly easy. Weāre incredibly proud of the skill, care and craft our kitchen team brings to the restaurant every day.
BOTTEGA
Italian at heart. Melbourne since 2002.
25/08/2026
A good w**e list should have a few surprises.
Ours has been carefully pared back to around 150 w**es, chosen by our sommelier for the food we cook, the seasons and, most importantly, the joy of just drinking them.
Italy is at its heart, alongside some exceptional Australian producers and discoveries from further afield. Familiar names sit beside bottles you may not have met before, with plenty worth exploring.
Because an impressive w**e list doesnāt need to be an intimidating one.
Our toughest w**e critic. Fortunately, the list passed her inspection. š¾š·
BOTTEGA
Italian at heart. Melbourne since 2002.
18/08/2026
Some occasions deserve their own room.
For almost 25 years, Bottega has been bringing people together around the table on Bourke Street, in the heart of Melbourneās C*D. From important business lunches and client dinners to corporate events, milestone celebrations and end-of-year gatherings.
Our private dining rooms can accommodate intimate groups of six through to events of 60, with flexible configurations, complete privacy and a TV available for presentations.
Menus are created from the same seasonal produce and handmade pasta youāll find in our Italian restaurant, matched with considered w**es and the warm, polished service Bottega is known for.
End-of-year private dining dates are already filling quickly.
Speak with Brin, our Events Manager, who will work with you to make the occasion distinctly yours.
Private dining for 6ā60 guests Ā· Bourke Street Ā· Melbourne C*D
*D
13/08/2026
The door used to be brown. So did Denisās hair.
Nearly 20 years separate these two photos outside Bottega, but Denisās story in Melbourne hospitality goes back much further.
He started in the industry at 19. More than four decades later, heās still here, having spent almost 25 of those years as the owner of Bottega on Bourke Street.
Restaurants have come and gone. Melbourne has changed enormously. Through it all, Denis Lucey has not only watched the cityās hospitality scene evolve, heās been part of the community that helped shape it.
Same owner. Same address. A few more grey hairs.
Next year, Bottega turns 25. There are plenty of stories to tell before then.
06/08/2026
We've never chased trends or tried to be the loudest restaurant in Melbourne.
For quarter of a century, we've remained committed to serving quality ingredients, modern Italian food, building a great w**e list we're proud of, and hospitality that makes people want to return time and time again.
Twenty-five years on, and that's still what matters. We're proud to continue welcoming our guests to our corner of Bourke Street.
Bottega. Melbourne C*D. Since 2001
23/07/2026
This is Christmas in July, the Italian way.
No turkey buffet. No novelty hats.
Just Cape Otway porchetta, slow roasted until the crackling is golden, served with roast Brussels sprouts and pork & apple jus.
It's one of four courses on our Christmas in July menu, inspired by the traditions our Italian team grew up with and prepared by Executive Chef Axel Archenti.
For three days only, we're bringing a little Italian winter to Melbourne.
šLunch & dinner š
Thu 23 ā¢ Fri 24 ā¢ Sat 25 July
Bookings are filling now. Reserve your table via the link in our bio.
23/07/2026
What dish instantly takes you back to family Christmas?
For Leonardo, it's his Nonna Laura's gnudi. She only makes it once a year, and the whole family still looks forward to it.
This is what our Christmas in July menu is really about. Not just beautiful food, but the traditions, memories and family recipes our Italian team grew up with.
š Three days only. Lunch and Dinner.
š
Thu 23 ā¢ Fri 24 ā¢ Sat 25 July
Gather your favourite people and join us around the table.
22/07/2026
What makes an Italian Christmas so special?
Ask the people who grew up there.
Over the next few days, we're sharing the traditions and memories that our Italian team bring to Bottega every day. Today, it's our Sous Chef, Federica.
We'd love you to welcome you to Bottega to join us for an authentic Italian Christmas in July this week.
š· Four-course chef's menu
š®š¹ Inspired by real Italian family traditions
š
Three nights only. Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 July
Gatger your family and friends together and book your table via the link in our bio or on our website.
08/07/2026
For three nights only, we're bringing the warmth and generosity of an Italian Christmas to Bottega.
Our four-course Natale a Luglio menu celebrates dishes that have long been shared around Italian winter tables. Including an antipasto selection, handmade tortellini in brodo, Cape Otway porchetta with all the trimmings, and panettone pudding with crema allo zabaione and fior di latte gelato to finish.
An Italian Christmas is about the people around the table with you. Bring together your family, friends, or colleagues for a winter feast worth celebrating.
š Natale a Luglio
š
Thursday 23 ā Saturday 25 July
š½ Four-course chef's menu
Join us to experience a festive Italian winter table. Reserve your table via our bio or website.
Address
74 Bourke Street
Melbourne, VIC
3000
For those using public transport, take any train or tram that goes to Bourke Street in Melbourne. From there, the restaurant is just a short walk away. For those driving, take Bourke Street and watch for parking garages or street parking in the area. The restaurant is located near several other businesses and shops.
Opening Hours
| Tuesday |
12pm - 10:30pm |
| Wednesday |
12pm - 10:30pm |
| Thursday |
12pm - 11pm |
| Friday |
12pm - 11pm |
| Saturday |
12pm - 11pm |
Alerts
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What people say
Italian restaurants are known for their delicious and authentic cuisine, and Bottega Restaurant in Melbourne is no exception. This restaurant serves some of the best modern Italian dishes in the city, with a menu that takes inspiration from regional cooking styles and includes several Sicilian influences.
One of the standout features of Bottega is the use of high-quality produce across the entire menu. The kitchen team, led by former Comme and Stokehouse chef Dusty Treweek, hand-makes fresh pasta daily and sources ingredients like lemons, nettle, and oranges from owner Denis' farm in Rutherglen.
To complement the exceptional food, Bottega also boasts an impressive wine list curated by sommelier Ben Knight. With a focus on regional Australian wines and an extensive selection of imported Italian varieties, there's something to suit every palate.
The interior of Bottega exudes sophistication and comfort, with stylish leather booths that create a plush New York-style dining room perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a romantic evening out or a long lunch with friends, this restaurant has got you covered.
Overall, Bottega Restaurant on Bourke Hill is a must-visit for anyone who loves Italian cuisine done right. With exceptional food, wine, and atmosphere, it's no wonder this restaurant has become one of Melbourne's most popular dining destinations.
