Pepe's Italian & Liquor image

Pepe's Italian & Liquor

Restaurant Bar Breakfast restaurant Italian restaurant Diner Cocktail bar Lunch restaurant Function room facility Beer garden

One of the Most Reviewed Diners in Melbourne


Address

275-285 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Website

pepesitalian.com.au

Contact

+61 3 9663 7994

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.20 (2.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Wednesday: 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Thursday: 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Friday: 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Saturday: 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Sunday: 12 PM to 12 AM
  • Monday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: service (36) great (33) staff (27) good (27) amazing (26) delicious (25) pasta (23) friendly (23) Italian (22) restaurant (21)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 YAO L. 2 years ago on Google
    Waste of time and money. The pizza oven is broken so I can only order the other food. I waited for 1 hours for pasta which is just so so and the waitress forgot my tiramisu after I waited for half an hour. Never come back again.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Haz F. 1 year ago on Google
    One of the best places to eat and drink in Melbourne! The staff are exceptionally friendly and super enthusiastic to work and serve! The selection of food and drinks are really good! The bartender who was making our cocktails was very friendly and helped us choose our drinks and considering we tried 6 different cocktails all of them where amazing! It’s also very reasonably priced and was not shocked at all by the bill! The venue is stunning and beautifully decorated! There is nothing at all o have to say that’s bad about this place! If I could have given Pepe’s Italian & Liquor more stars I would have! Definitely give it a go!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 W W. 1 year ago on Google
    The atmosphere was good but I feel that the portions were too small for its price. The pizzas were better than the pasta. The cannoli were definitely not good, best to have desserts elsewhere.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tahlia G. 2 years ago on Google
    Food is amazing! Such a great vibe, looks great and staff were very welcoming and helpful. We had such a deeelish meal and cocktails. They have some gluten free pasta options. Will happy return again and again
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Debbie N. 7 months ago on Google • 607 reviews
    I really enjoyed my dinner at Pepe’s. The service was attentive, and I loved the seating, we don’t need to choose who gets to sit in the couch, when you both can, with added cushions. The pepperoni was the standout, delicious and the dough was airy, and so was the strawberry sundae, stay away from the apple strudel. I’d love to come back and try the pasta next time.

  • 5/5 Thomas N. 2 years ago on Google
    Very, very good. Delicious New York Style Italian in probably the most beautiful venue in the city -- an ex-synagogue and they've kept the cathedral ceilings. Can't go wrong with meatball pizza, spicy rigatoni vodka, marinara or the handcrafted cocktail list 🤌🏻. Perfect for pre-theatre dining and cocktails near Her Majesty's Theatre.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jess P. 1 year ago on Google
    Pepe’s has a great vibe - even while busy and full it doesn’t get echoey or loud. I always appreciate a restaurant where it’s not an effort to be heard or to hear your date. Even better, the food is great. It’s a simple menu and they do it well, very tasty food with friendly service.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt 1 year ago on Google
    Pepe's has such a great atmosphere and character. We were able to walk in and get a table but it gets extremely busy so I recommend booking. The food is a high standard and exactly what you expect of an authentic Italian restaurant.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Taya F. 2 years ago on Google
    I was really pleasantly surprised by this place. I booked in last minute not knowing anything about this place but it exceeded my expectations! My pizza was pretty good but I think they really excelled in the pasta. I asked the waitress helping us (who was so lovely) for a wine suggestion and the one she suggested was amazing. On top of all that, the place is beautiful. I will definitely be returning soon!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Sandra N. 7 months ago on Google • 132 reviews
    We came to Pepe's for a late lunch that we had a reservation for. We were looking forward to having some good Italian food. The service was okay at best, it was really hard to flag someone down to order and ask for things. We ordered 4 beers, an apple cider and 2 lemon lime bitters. The food items we ordered were: House focaccia $14.5 Porchetta Pizza $27.5 Pepe’s-Roni Pizza $27 Prosciutto Pizza $27.5 Risotto $29.5 Spicy vodka rigatoni $29.5 Gnocchi $29.5 Truffled chalet fries $15.5 None of the items we ordered stood out to us, it was very average, for the price we paid, we expected a little more than just mediocre food. The portion sizing for the pastas were disappointing for the price we were paying, the pizzas were okay, nothing was amazing about them, but they could've been sliced a little better. Overall, I would give Pepe's a 2.5/5, everything was just okay, I will not be coming here again, since there are better options elsewhere.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Dean A. 4 months ago on Google • 443 reviews
    Probably the worst Italian food I had in Melbourne. 3 dishes were under cooked and the chef didn't have a clue about how to cook the spaghetti. Way overpriced for few shrimps. Service was good and organised. Ontray was good. Mains were terrible. Avoid Spaghetti Gamberi Pomodorini at all cost.

  • 3/5 alessandro a. 11 months ago on Google
    1st time in this restaurant. Really good service we order fews antipasti to share and we share pizza as well. Zucchini flour was delicious, mortadella with gnocco fritto in the end is pizza dough fritta was a bit uncooked in the middle and the sprinkler of Parmesan sorry guys was very dry unpleasant for the palate . Better grated fresh on top. Buffalo mozzarella fritta was nice but the tomato need to be seasoned. Napoletana pizza not was the best the moment get little cold is uneatable. Really good selections of wine. I will be back i love to give 5 stars not 3. Keep up the good work.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 truc l. 4 years ago on Google
    Good food. Customer service could be better.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica D. 1 year ago on Google
    Took a little while to find someone to seat me, but staff were friendly when avail... At least with QR code ordering, you can order at your convenience... now the food... Ah-maze-ing! We ordered the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka pasta and Parmigiana Pizza and I seriously couldn't fault either! I wouldn't hesitate to order them again as I absolutely loved them! ... and the cocktails were also phenomenal. I only wanted to order one, as cocktails aren't cheap, and decided to get the Sgroppino, but couldn't resist a second one once I'd tasted it! My friend ordered the Amalfi Glitter and whilst it didn't sound like something I'd enjoy on paper, I had a sip of hers and it was also good! So what can I say??!! Yum! I'll definitely be back!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Edwar K. 1 year ago on Google
    This is the perfect place to hang out on those sunny or summer days. They have a nice classic decor for the seating inside whilst the courtyard outside has long benches and chairs under the cover of umbrellas. The food unfortunately was just average. The spaghetti is small for the price and was just okay. Same situation for the pizza, luckily the Salumi Plate has cuts that are pretty good but again the portion is too little as it was dominated with olives. Food - 6 Service - 7 Vibe - 9 Price - $$$
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Chloe C. 2 years ago on Google
    Was really hoping to love the food but unfortunately my friends and i didn’t. The place was lovely for photos and all but we were disappointed by the food. Risotto was undercooked, prawns weren’t the freshest; I expected better quality having paid $27 for it. Gnocchi was very over cooked that it was mushy, and the dish was overall very bland and not worth the $26 as it was just gnocchi on its own. Rigatoni was spicy but not very tasty either, was also $26 for just a bunch of carb. Portion sizes were very small and not worth the money. Wait staff were quite inattentive to diners and as a result - service was very slow.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kim R. 4 years ago on Google
    Love the new look of Pepe's. Excellent service and delicious food! highly recommend the Spicy Rigatoni
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 rajesh m. 6 years ago on Google
    They have an awesome location with outdoor seating which attracts many for food & drinks. Yet I failed to understand why they did not have sufficient number of waiting staff. It took a while and a bit of waving to grab attention of a staff. There are plenty of options for lunch, dinner and drinks. I went with my 6 other colleagues and after the lunch we all agreed that the food was just okay and deserved a three star rating out of five. The Chicken burger that I ordered had small pieces of chicken which kept on falling out of the burger. That's a little strange for a burger. Taste was okay and wasn't extraordinary. Fries seemed cold as if they were waiting to be served for a while. In all, wasn't the experience I was expecting.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 CO 7 months ago on Google • 127 reviews
    Everything we ordered tasted good but I felt my seafood pasta was slightly overpriced for what I got. It was $43 and only had one prawn and some chopped up calamari. I couldn’t see or taste any pippies. The dish was flavourful though, just slightly oily for my taste. The truffle fries were delicious! And very generous portion. Service was amazing. Staff were friendly, welcoming and attentive. Overall, it was a great experience and I’ll return and order something else. Keen to try the pizzas next time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maureen R. 2 months ago on Google • 35 reviews New
    “I need to go there one day”! As I repeatedly said whenever I pass by this scenic restaurant with a beautiful courtyard. Alas, after 6 long years, finally stepped inside this Tuscan Summer inspired restaurant in city! We sat outside which had the perfect ambience but the inside also has a cool retro bar vibe. I loved having a walk and just going around taking photos of every corner. I enjoyed the meatballs for starter and the vodka pasta rigatoni was delicious. The prosciutto pizza was too salty for my taste but everything else was delicious. Certainly coming back to try all the pastas!😘 @fashionablymaureen
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Helen F. 4 months ago on Google • 21 reviews
    This place was pumping. Indoor seating had a very warm & nice ambiance. The food was lovely. We tried a few share plates along with a couple of pastas and some tapas like dishes. Not cheap by all means but quality was good. Probably somewhere to go for a special occasion like a birthday 🎁
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Phillip Edward N. 4 months ago on Google • 206 reviews
    Pepepe’s is not related to the icecream store pepipopo, but it is Italian and it is good. It’s not the best place I’ve been, I found that the pasta was underseasoned but it was all dento. Dirk also thought his meal was slightly lacking a bit of something. It is a very pleasant place to go and eat though, you could do worse.

  • 5/5 Rena H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great service, great vibes - would recommend! Of course, the food and drinks were great too! Had the spicy rigatoni vodka - great pasta with great amount of chilli! Also had their mulled wine which was delicious on a winter's night!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ivana 1 year ago on Google
    Big portions and nice flavours. Originally expected this restaurant to be quite high end but it’s very casual and family friendly. I’d recommend getting the vodka pasta which was very simple but quite delicious. The only reason for my rating is that I expected a little more and was seeking a rich Italian flavour and experience. If your looking for this cuisine I’d recommend Trattoria Emilia!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Harry Godfrey (Deus S. 10 months ago on Google
    I had the pleasure of being the saxophonist and DJ for a beautiful and super fun wedding here in March 2023. The transition from a sit down dinner to the dance set was a little awkward but the staff were great with moving tables and working in with my set up. I had a blast and surprisingly no issues with noise levels (which is more important than you’d think!)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Therealshelleybeech 10 months ago on Google
    What a pretty place to eat. Service was very friendly. Food was the best and we wish we lived closer. There is nothing like this anywhere in the Western suburbs. Looking forward to returning.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Felicity A. 9 months ago on Google
    I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to finally go to Pepe’s. However it was well worth the wait. My friend and I went for dinner and cannot fault the meal. We had the rigatoni and it was delicious. Our waiter Matt was the most helpful and accommodating server possible, he helped us with meal choices, kept the evening light with jokes it was by far the best customer service I’ve seen in a long time. The mocktail was delicious however a little overpriced for not being alcoholic. Due to being such a nice place to go, it did feel a little bit crowded because everyone wants to go there but that’s a sign of a good restaurant. Overall we had the most wonderful time and I will be going here over and over again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Griff M. 5 years ago on Google
    Great little diner in a restored 1850s synagogue and a huge beer garden. The American diner style menu is great with a large selection of burgers, nachos, sandwiches as well as sandwiches. Beer selection is perfectly matched to the menu also. Whilst not the best in town at anything it does, Trunk is satisfying and myself and my mates will be back for sure!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Restless_Traveller _. 2 years ago on Google
    Great Italian bar / restaurant. The service was friendly and fast, the Negroni was on point..A tidy selection of beers, wines and Italian themed cocktails. Our mains were amazing and make sure you have the cannoli, it is to die for!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Megan Q. 8 months ago on Google
    We had a gorgeous meal, standout dish was the veal and beef bolognese. We finished our meal the salted caramel profiteroles and espresso martinis - both 10/10. Service was excellent, everyone is really bubbly making the atmosphere really relaxed and fun. Perfect restaurant for group of friends or a date.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephanie R. 3 years ago on Google
    Love the transformation from Trunk to Pepe’s! We originally booked to dine in the Garden Lounge which is so beautiful however more so suitable for nibbles and a cocktails due to the bench seating and low tables (entirely my mistake). My friend asked if we could move to an indoor table, and completely expecting to be laughed at due to not booking side, we were welcomed to an indoor table happily. We received impeccable friendly and attentive service the whole night. The cocktails (Amaretto Sour + Clover Club) were AMAZING as well as the wine and all of the food. That Spicy Vodka pasta 🤤 Thank you very much for a welcome back to dining. I’ll be returning try some more of the menu.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Antony C. 4 years ago on Google
    Went there today (inside section with the Italian menu), ordered a Waldorf salad, got the below. Pretty much inedible for my tastes. Very little of the traditional ingredients in the dish.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alberto M. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice place. We ordered baked ricotta and then veggie pizza. I recommend it and will come back for sure
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Maggie C. 4 years ago on Google
    Poor
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 黄元晨 4 years ago on Google
    Poor services and poor food. Ugly look dishes ?️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sarah 4 years ago on Google
    I enjoy going to Trunk whenever I'm in Melbourne. The place has a nice feel and the staff are friendly. Last time I ordered the breakfast burger and felt regret as amazing looking pancakes were served to the table next to me. So, I didn't make the same mistake this time! These were so beautiful, fluffy pancakes and the whipped Mascarpone was amazing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 hawtwax 4 years ago on Google
    Went here for dinner before the theatre. Staff and food were amazing and prices were affordable. Best service I have had in Melbourne for a long time!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tim F. 4 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere & extremely friendly service- Jess was so attentive & lovely. Reason for not giving 5 stars is that unfortunately the food I ordered was not value for money. Garlic Bread & the Gnocchi main were the size of an entree / child’s portion. Had to order a desert - Ice Cream Sundae - which was delicious & very generous. Will give this place another go as Pizzas on other tables looked good.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris S. 3 years ago on Google
    The food is superb! Excellent menu! There’s an extensive selection of Alcoholic beverages to choose from too. The ambiance and look of the place is very cool too. And the service is outstanding with very friendly and helpful staff. Definitely coming back⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bernard M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great location and atmosphere; excellent food and variety of beers; very friendly/helpful staff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessica G. 3 months ago on Google • 146 reviews New
    Great Italian restaurant with authentic, cozy vibes inside. Outdoor garden area would be so nice on a warm day. The indoor area became very hot inside as the night went on. Wait staff were very attentive and our orders all came out correct. Pizza was delicious, calamari was nice and crunchy, and the cocktails were yummy. I would definitely recommend booking in advance as it got quite busy throughout the night. The desserts were fantastic (tiramisu and cannolis, which had ice cream instead of regular cream).

  • 4/5 Charly B. 1 month ago on Google • 103 reviews New
    It is an unforgettable night, a birthday for my younger sister, a pleasant atmosphere, excellent service and spectacular tasting food, recognitions for the chef. I recommend visiting, unforgettable experience.

  • 5/5 Kim B. 3 months ago on Google • 34 reviews New
    Such great food, atmosphere, and service in the CBD. Loves our family dinner here, recommending ++++ oh and OMG to the best strawberry sundae we have ever had, huge..shared 2 serves between 5 and it was the perfect sweet ending to our meal.

  • 5/5 Fabian Di C. 5 months ago on Google • 16 reviews
    Hands down one of my favourite Italian restaurants in Melbourne. Menu is fantastic, food is delicious and venue is amazing! Pizza with prosciutto, stracciatella and figs is a must! The Sgroppino is one of the best cocktails I have ever had! It was AMAZING! Simple but perfect! Cannot recommend this place enough...

  • 5/5 AJ 3 months ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    Service was great. Food was amazing, especially the pasta. Atmosphere was great and really enjoyed being seated at the bar. We had a great time. Highly recommend

  • 5/5 Maralto 9 months ago on Google
    Wes Andersen, eat your heart out! We had an office function for over 20 pax here and we were looked after superbly by Emily who ensured that we all had a wonderful time. Perfect portions, food and wine were on point and the venue both inside and out was just stunning. It looked and felt just like being on set out of a Wes Andersen movie! I am so jealous that we don't have something like Pepe's in Sydney.

  • 5/5 Brian P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great bartenders and drinks!! Music is great, lovely outdoor seating.

  • 5/5 Portia A. 11 months ago on Google
    Gorgeous restaurant with amazing Italian cuisine. The pizza and pasta were both flavourful and delicious, the drinks were lovely and service was great. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

  • 2/5 Emily M. 11 months ago on Google
    A large group of us came to Pepe's Italian & Liquor on a Thursday evening for a birthday celebration. There was about 20 of us, and we opted for the set menu at $65 per head. They were very accommodating and provided us with alternative vegetarian options for those with dietary preferences. The food was delicious, and consisted of an entree, main course, and dessert. I particularly enjoyed the arancini, macaroni, roasted vegetables and tiramisu. There was quite a long wait time between each course, but we were happy to wait as that meant we had more time to celebrate the birthday party. Unfortunately, we were very disappointed at the end of the evening when we tried to order a round of shots for everyone at the table. The waitress came up to the table and blankly stated that we were being 'too loud and inappropriate' and therefore they were going to refuse selling us shots. We were all so shocked at her words, because we were a large group of people celebrating a birthday, so no doubt we were making some noise. I believe that our noise level was proportional to the number of people we had, and we were never being inappropriate or disrespectful to other patrons at the restaurant. This was an upsetting way to end the evening, as we simply wanted to have a round of shots to celebrate the birthday girl. But instead, we left the restaurant feeling as though we had been kicked out and told to leave. We had just spent thousands of dollars and we were prepared to spend hundreds more, but instead were refused service without a noise warning or anything. Disappointed about the service.

  • 2/5 Kris Jane A. 9 months ago on Google
    ordered prosciutto and they didnt even bother cutting it together with the main pizza so it was a struggle eating it. It was also soggy. gnocchi had no flavour. tiramisu was okay. service was mid but ambiance was good.

  • 3/5 Alan G. 10 months ago on Google
    The Caesar salad was dripping in dressing, and the service and food were slow. Thankfully we had great people to be there with. They just need better service staff and chefs.

  • 5/5 Janelle B. 10 months ago on Google
    We had a fantastic lunch at Pepe's with our kids. We enjoyed two pizzas (Margherita and Capricciosa) and a bowl of fries. The service was very friendly and quick. The food was great! We were all really satisfied afterwards. There is a great selection of entrees and mains. The cocktail and wine list is really extensive. The ambiance is sweet, set up like an Italian chalet. Our kids were super interested in all the deer mounts and skis on the walls. There is a gorgeous courtyard with heaters, good for sunny afternoon drinks. They are also well set up for a meal before going to the theatre. We will be back again for sure.

  • 1/5 Ricky l. 4 years ago on Google
    Dissappinting food and forgettable experience. The garden salad felt like baby lettuce simply peeled with a little amount of dressing ontop. The ribs were very mediocre in taste and the presentation of all our dishes were of low calibre. Felt like take away Italian unpacked and put on top of dishes to serve. Pity as it was one of our favourite places to go to before the changes happened. Definitely a huge step down in terms of quality. Hope it does get better in time though as the location and atmosphere still has its redeeming qualities.

  • 4/5 Thomas D. 4 years ago on Google
    Great Atmosphere, very good food and excellent wines. Good Service. All in all a great experience.

  • 5/5 Mai-Ling P. 8 months ago on Google
    Recommend for group dinner. I called for a booking of 12, and the welcoming host, Jake, arranged us into the function room, away from the main dinning room. The cocktails were fantastic. My partner and I ordered the Capricciosa pizza, which (like all the pizzas on the menu) was wood fired, and the delicious spicy vodka rigatoni (vegetarian). Planning to go back for a romantic date night.

  • 5/5 Luke W. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing food, amazing service. Great job to everyone.

  • 5/5 Charli M. 8 months ago on Google
    Amazing food and atmosphere!! Will definitely be coming back. My partner and i were so happy with our meals :) 10/10

  • 4/5 Tay M. 4 years ago on Google
    We went here on a very busy night and the staff were very attentive even though the restaurant was at full capacity. Food was reasonably priced and yummy, the drinks were also delicious.

  • 5/5 John S. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful staff, friendly atmosphere, delicious food at reasonable prices and an extensive wine list. Fantastic!

  • 4/5 Erica D. 7 months ago on Google
    They run a tight ship, so very well organized! Service was quick, friendly and efficient. Food came out very fast and was lovely. Vodka pasta was the highlight, polenta fries were great and the Parmesan crusted focaccia was amazing! Tiramisu for dessert was delicious but needed more biscuit, was just a lot of cream/mascarpone. Super cool vibe inside and outside if it’s not too cold! Highly recommend dining here!

  • 5/5 Snigdha P. 8 months ago on Google
    Great venue - wonderfully designed and decorated. The waiter offered us a table inside even though we had booked an outdoor. Really appreciated the flexibility offered by the restaurant because we would have been freezing outdoors! Service was quick and the coffee was amazing.

  • 5/5 Mason J. 4 years ago on Google
    Came here for dinner and drinks with a group, great options - we did a Pasta Party Menu for $40 each. Heaps of food - service was awesome, huge selection of spirits and cocktails!

  • 5/5 Thao P. 6 months ago on Google
    We recently dined at Pepe's on a bustling evening, and while the service was a bit slow, the staff's politeness and apologies made up for it. The food arrived swiftly, and it was nothing short of amazing! The focaccia was simply chef's kiss! The vodka pasta was absolutely delectable, and the profiteroles provided the perfect sweet ending to a fantastic meal. Pepe's not only serves outstanding food but also offers the perfect ambiance for a romantic date night or a cozy catch-up with friends. 🍽️💫

  • 4/5 Elyssa W. 6 months ago on Google
    4.5 star review We visited Pepe’s for my boyfriends birthday, it was a late night booking and the restaurant was still bustling. The atmosphere is lovely. I am already looking forward to booking in the outdoor area when the weather warms up. The food was spectacular- fresh, light and very delicious. We ordered the meatballs (with the best garlic bread ive ever had), the gnocchi with a tomato sauce and the margharita pizza. We also had some cocktails which were nice. We were also shocked with the affordability of Pepe’s. Gorgeous food for a really reasonable price.

  • 3/5 Hayden B. 6 months ago on Google
    It was disappointing. The pasta was too under cooked and not yet al dente. The porchetta while itself pleasant there was too much sage in the stuffing and was somewhat overpriced. The cocktails were a luck of the draw. Mine were pleasant but my partner's weren't made quite right.. Service was good though!

  • 5/5 Aoife M. 5 months ago on Google
    From the warm and friendly hostess who seated us so quickly. To the amazing bar and wait staff who were helpful, friendly and just so engaging and fun. The drinks were delicious and fun. The food was beyond delicious and amazing. The entire experience start to finish was an amazing one.

  • 5/5 Darrell F. 4 years ago on Google
    Go here! It a great little place with good food and a hopping atmosphere.

  • 2/5 Matt G. 3 years ago on Google
    Drink prices and range is fine. Outdoor dining is hit and miss in terms of where the heaters are on a cold day. Drinks take a while to come out. The biggest issue is that the smoking area isn't properly separated from the actual dining area, so the smoke permeates the entire garden with the faintest breeze.

  • 5/5 Geoff F. 4 years ago on Google
    Chips were average and large enough to be a side piece for 4 people. They were quite floppy, so unless someone in your group NEEDED IT, I'd advise to go without.

  • 4/5 Ivan K. 4 years ago on Google
    Great vibe for lunch, the place looks like a greenhouse. The chicken burger was good but nothing special and relatively small. Other portions of my friends were not that big either. It cost $13 which is reasonable. Great coffee! Would recommend for a casual lunch!

  • 4/5 Vladimir V. 2 years ago on Google
    Unforgettable Hot Apple Strudel cocktail!!! The bartender was kindly helpful to explain each cocktail and make me to choose! The technique of making that drink was amazing! Highly recommended any time for everyone, but be sure to try the warm cocktails during the winter season!

  • 3/5 Nam T. 2 years ago on Google
    Pepe has a wonderful interior and atmosphere for dine in experience. Unfortunately the service was not attentive despite it not being too busy (we were there at 5pm Saturday and did not order any drinks). It took 50 minutes for the mains to come out. We ordered the Tuna Alla Pizzaiola Antipasto and the Casareece Triolese (braised rabbit, Soave and sage). Food was solid though. Strong 3.5, soft 4 out of 5 but dropped by half a star for the slow service.

  • 5/5 Iain P. 2 years ago on Google
    This is an absolutely gorgeous place. The environment is cosy, warm, and peaceful. The food was served swiftly and tasted delightful. I must sit outdoor next time - under the array of garden lights. What an experience.

  • 5/5 Jinah A. 2 years ago on Google
    A classic in the cbd, suburb food, decent wine menu, excellent service.

  • 5/5 W H. 2 years ago on Google
    A lovely place for Saturday night. Great food, fantastic atmosphere, and the staff was such a delight.

  • 5/5 Reggie E. 2 years ago on Google
    I had never been to Pepe's personally, but they were recommended to me as a venue for my birthday. Right from the get-go they have been so accommodating and flexible with my needs. The venue was perfect, from a casual arrival and drinks in the beer garden to more formal meals then cocktails at the bar. Thank you Pepe's Italian. You took all the pain out of hosting an event and made me look organised and allowed me to relax and enjoy my own party. I thoroughly recommend you to everyone I even popped back the next day to have a meal because I felt robbed that I was too busy hosting to actually sit down and enjoy the amazing food.

  • 5/5 Emma C. 4 years ago on Google
    I was visiting Melbourne on a holiday and absolutely loved eating at Trunk Diner. The food is delicious, the staff are lovely and the diner is absolutely beautiful! Highly recommended.

  • 4/5 jeyyy 2 years ago on Google
    A lovely garden setting restaurant. There is an outdoor area with fairy lights with quite a romantic ambiance. The food is classically refined Italian cuisine. The pasta was simple, al dente with comforting flavours. Service was a bit tardy. We waited quite a while for food. Otherwise great experience

  • 5/5 Pauline H. 3 years ago on Google
    My favourite place when I crave for a good ol’ spicy vodka rigatoni.

  • 4/5 Traco (. 4 years ago on Google
    It was actually a night out at pepe's.. Anyway! It was great, fantastic vibes and the food was solid. See pictures.. The 4 stars and not 5 is due to the broccolini which was to be honest... Incredibly underwhelming. Massive props to the lady who served our table. I regret not tipping her! She was fantastic (thanks for recommending the ice cream for one...)

  • 5/5 Durdashi N. 2 years ago on Google
    The cocktails were amazing! Food and atmosphere were great too. We ordered the tiramisu to share and didn't really enjoy that one but overall it was a really nice dining experience.

  • 5/5 Lidia B. 3 years ago on Google
    This place is amazing! Such a hidden gem, but the staff are incredible, prices affordable and a massive selection of alcohol with great food. Definitely coming back

  • 5/5 kurt h. 4 years ago on Google
    Food, drinks and service was all above expectations. Would highly recommend Pepe's to all especially the pizzas and veal parmigiana.

  • 4/5 Will W. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place for late lunch/early dinner but as per other reviews nothing special. I had the Mac and cheese burger which was nice but a little greasy. My friend had the ribs which were again nothing special.

  • 5/5 Nadia L. 4 years ago on Google
    We hired the Rintel Room for a bridal shower and it was the perfect space for our guests, including courtyard access. The staff were incredibly hospitable and big shout out to Liz the events manager and Keisha for helping us out on the day! They were so helpful, approachable and professional!

  • 5/5 Natasha P. 4 years ago on Google
    Went there for my cousin's birthday dinner and the food was absolutely amazing I can't exactly remember what I ordered but the staff were very friendly and helped you to decide what you wanted to eat. The portions were on point as well I eat a lot so I was surprised when I wasn't able to finish my meal staff are happy to provide you with a take away container so that you can enjoy your amazing meal at home.

  • 3/5 Erillee L. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food and great waitress unfortunately the head waiter was aloof and brusque.

  • 5/5 David H. 4 years ago on Google
    New look is great

  • 5/5 Erin R. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing food and service..the tortelloni was just devine as was our entree...Great friendly service and atmosphere..loved it x

  • 5/5 Stef 4 years ago on Google
    I am proud to be the first to review this amazing restaurant. I have tasted many Italian restaurants across Melbourne -including the very high end expensive joints- and none had stood out to have pasta that was worth writing for (particularly as I am Italian!). The pasta dishes are perfectly aldente and the flavour is something else that I have never tasted before in Melbourne (beyond my Nonna's cooking of course). Friends and I shared tortelloni and the pasta vodka which was large enough to keep us stuffed- a proper Italian serve! I don't know what they put in the Bolognese sauce but it was like crack. Forget Grossi, Tipo 00 and +39...this is the new number 1 pasta for all round value for money and taste.

  • 5/5 Hannah W. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic meatballs, attentive staff, and beautiful wine selection.

  • 5/5 Quincy M. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely love the recent transformation of Trunk into Peppe's, an American Italian-inspired moderately upscale diner. The fitout is charming (and very dark, so please excuse the mediocre photos), staff are extremely attentive and food is wonderful. Most dishes are refined takes on classics, like eggplant parmesan, baked ricotta (served with pesto-slathered flatbread) and a bean soup plus dollops of additional pesto. I also loved the comforting mushroom and thyme fettucini, which is quite filling and good to share. The dessert options are limited but really nice and include a must-try carrot cake with a beautiful cream cheese icing. Pepe's specialises in classic cocktails done really well, although their wine selection is also good if that's your preference.

  • 5/5 Sandra R. 4 months ago on Google
    Absolutely loved our experience here while visiting Melbourne, we came back twice in 3 days! Highly recommend this beautiful restaurant! Magnificent food, drinks, service and ambience! 10/10 thank you!

  • 5/5 Albert B. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent service, delicious food.

  • 4/5 YW 2 years ago on Google
    Great service. The staff was very friendly. Seafood was very fresh and yummy.

  • 5/5 Ryzi 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely atmosphere great place for a date or to catch up with a few mates have a drink and a bite I and my friend both loved it here was awsome

  • 5/5 Elena Perrotta (. 2 years ago on Google
    Delicious menu. Meals beautifully presented. Great service, friendly staff.

  • 5/5 Amy D. 3 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    My mum & I visited Pepe’s on the weekend without a booking. Even though they were really busy, the staff still found space for us. All of the staff were very helpful & friendly. We ordered two pasta dishes which were delicious! We will definitely be back to try some of the other meals. There were even blankets on the seats outside for us to use on a windy night, which was a great idea!

  • 5/5 Ty D. 2 months ago on Google • 1 review New
    Great food & service. My favourite Italian restaurant above all others. Thanks again & see you next month.


Call +61 3 9663 7994 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Halal food
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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