Recent social media posts
01/10/2026
Weekend plans? We’ll start with Puttanesca.
Our Puttanesca brings together tagliatelle, tomato, capers, olives, chilli & anchovies for the perfect little kick.
The only question is whether you’re sharing. 🍝
Book your table for the weekend using the link in our bio.
30/09/2026
A little hidden, a lot to discover. This is the Moat. Book using the link in our bio.
28/09/2026
A new week, and we’d love to spend some of it with you!
If you’re passing through the city this week, come downstairs and stay awhile.
Book your table using the link in our bio.
24/09/2026
Some carbs are simply worth it. This is one of them.
Fatta a mano. All of our pasta is made by hand, and this ravioli is no exception.
Delicate parcels of fresh pasta filled with mushroom and ricotta, paired with a rich porcini foam and finished with pangrattato for that all important crunch.
Earthy, creamy, comforting, with just the right amount of texture.
Book your table using the link in our bio.
23/09/2026
Every space has a story. Here’s a bit of ours.
Rosie takes us back to where it all began and shares the story behind The Moat.
Book your table using the link in our bio.
21/09/2026
The smiles say it all.
Our Tiramisu Cart is rolling back out for another week. Come hungry, save room for tiramisu, and we’ll take care of the rest. piccolofossato
Tuesday–Friday | 4:30–9PM
Saturday | 4:30–9:30PM
(Disclaimer, our cart is weather dependent.)
17/09/2026
Consider this your sign to text the group chat.
Your favourite people around the table and nowhere to be in the morning.
Book a table for this weekend using the link in our bio.
16/09/2026
Paul gives us an insight into the inspiration, technique and flavours behind our 1000 Layer Lasagna. Born from a desire to reimagine a familiar classic, our 1000 Layer Lasagna takes everything we love about traditional lasagna and gives it a distinctly Moat interpretation.
Despite the name, you won’t find quite 1,000 layers. Eight delicate sheets of pasta are built with beef shin ragù and béchamel, creating around 24 individual layers of pasta, sauce and filling.
The beef shin is an important distinction. Slowly cooked on the bone before being stripped, it gives the ragù a deeper, richer and more concentrated flavour.
Then comes the finishing touch and perhaps what makes this dish most recognisably ours. Rather than finishing with the traditional sprinkling of Parmesan, we crown it with a light three cheese mousse. Rich in flavour yet delicate in texture, it melts into the beef shin ragù beneath, bringing another dimension to every bite.
As Paul puts it, it is simply to die for.
Book your table using the link in our bio.
14/09/2026
A little bit of what goes on beneath the State Library...
Book using the link in our bio.
10/09/2026
This festive season, gather around the table at The Moat for Italian food, good w**e and time to celebrate together.
Planning a company Christmas party? The entire venue is also available for private hire, creating a more intimate setting for end of year celebrations.
To enquire about a table or private venue hire, email [email protected]
09/09/2026
Introducing our new series: Caught on Shift 🎬
Where we put one of our staff members in the hot seat while they’re busy doing what they do best.
First up is Braidy, our fantastic bartender, who shared a little of his drinks knowledge, personal favourites and behind the bar personality with us.
Book using the link in our bio and try our drinks out for yourself
07/09/2026
Piccolo Fossato, our Tiramisu Cart, has been doing its thing right outside The Moat, serving freshly made in house tiramisu Tuesday through to Saturday.
Silky mascarpone, coffee soaked layers, just the right amount of sweetness and a light melt in your mouth texture that somehow makes one portion never enough.
Tuesday–Friday | 4:30–9PM
Saturday | 4:30–9:30PM
Please note: our tiramisu cart hours are weather dependent and may vary on the day.
piccolofossato
04/09/2026
When in doubt, ask the people who know best.
Consider this your insider recommendation for your next visit. You’re welcome ;)
Book your table using the link in the bio.
03/09/2026
The weekend is almost here.
The glasses are polished, the bar is stocked.
We’re ready, are you?
Book your table using the link in our bio.
03/09/2026
The weekend is almost here.
The glasses are polished, the bar is stocked.
We’re ready, are you?
Book your table using the link in our bio.
31/08/2026
We’re heading into a new week with great food, plenty of laughs and the very best people bringing it all to life.
Come for the food, stay for the vibes.
We’ll be waiting.
Book your table via the link in our bio.
27/08/2026
Something for every mood.
The weekend is calling, pick your poison.
Book through the link in our bio.
26/08/2026
Your home away from home.
Atmospheric, intimate, and always warm.
Book using the link in our bio.
24/08/2026
The kitchen at The Moat never misses.
Doors open again tomorrow for another memorable week, come join us!
Book your table using the link in our bio.
20/08/2026
The details you don’t see are what make the experiences you do.
Hours of preparation, precision and craft come together behind the scenes to create every service at The Moat.
Spend this weekend with us.
Book via the link in our bio.
19/08/2026
Decisions decisions…
Join us for our Happy Hour; cocktails, w**es, beers.
Book via the link in our bio.
19/08/2026
Decisions decisions…
Join us for our Happy Hour; cocktails, w**es and beers
Book via the link in our bio.
17/08/2026
Consider this your sign to stop scrolling and start making dinner plans.
This one’s worth seeing for yourself.
Book via the link in our bio.
13/08/2026
Drinks poured. Dinner served. Weekend plans sorted.
Meet us beneath the State Library for Italian food, cocktails and a table worth lingering at.
Book your spot using the link in the bio.
12/08/2026
Before it reaches your table, it begins here.
Flour on the bench, fresh pasta rolled, shaped and cut in our kitchen. A little glimpse behind the scenes at The Moat, where art is still best done by hand.
Book your table through the link in our bio.
Address
176 Little Lonsdale Street
Melbourne, VIC
3000
To reach the Italian restaurant located on Little Lonsdale Street in Melbourne, you can either take public transportation or drive and park in the area. If you prefer public transportation, the closest train station is Melbourne Central Station, which is a short walk away from the restaurant. Alternatively, there are also several bus stops nearby that you can use to reach your destination. If you plan on driving to the restaurant, keep in mind that parking spots may be limited in this busy area of Melbourne. However, there are several paid parking lots available nearby where you can leave your car for a few hours while you enjoy your meal.
Opening Hours
| Tuesday |
4pm - 10pm |
| Wednesday |
4pm - 10pm |
| Thursday |
4pm - 10pm |
| Friday |
4pm - 10pm |
| Saturday |
4pm - 10pm |
Alerts
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Contact The Business
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What people say
The Moat is a charming Italian restaurant located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. What sets this restaurant apart is its intimate and cozy atmosphere, which makes it perfect for a romantic dinner or a catch-up with friends. The restaurant is located in the basement of the State Library of Victoria, surrounded by books and bluestone walls, which adds to its unique charm.
The menu at The Moat reflects the Italian heritage of its owners, Paul and Rosie, and head chef Monica. All dishes are hand-made with seasonal local produce, simplicity, and love. This attention to detail is evident in every dish served at The Moat.
One of the highlights of dining at The Moat is their charming courtyard that allows for outdoor dining and drinking. It's a perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
In addition to their regular menu, The Moat also offers flexible spaces for private functions such as banquet meals or canape and cocktail events. They often host their own event nights that celebrate creativity with gorgeous wine, cocktails, and dining experiences.
Overall, The Moat is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an authentic Italian dining experience in Melbourne's CBD. With its intimate atmosphere, delicious food made with love and attention to detail, and charming courtyard setting, it's no wonder why this restaurant has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
