D.O.C. Osteria: Celebrating 20 Years of Italian Excellence

Melbourne’s iconic D.O.C. Gastronomia unveils a stunning transformation, elevating its Lygon Street flagship to a new dining era, blending tradition with contemporary Italian flavours.

In a vibrant corner of Melbourne’s iconic Lygon Street, D.O.C. Gastronomia has long been a beloved institution, offering authentic Italian dining experiences to a diverse community. As the restaurant celebrates its 20th anniversary, it marked this major milestone with an exciting transformation of its flagship location on Lygon Street, which officially reopened as D.O.C. Osteria on October 24, 2024. 

Previously known as D.O.C. Espresso, the newly renamed D.O.C. Osteria features a complete overhaul of its design, ambiance, and menu, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of Melbourne’s vibrant culinary scene while staying true to its Italian roots. The transformation is not just a facelift—it’s a deep commitment to elevating the restaurant’s connection with the Lygon Street community, which has been integral to D.O.C.’s success over the past two decades.

A Nod to the Past, with a Bold Look Forward

The renovation of D.O.C. Osteria is a clear reflection of our dedication to offering a quintessential Italian experience, while keeping pace with the evolving tastes of Melbourne’s food scene. It’s time to give back to the street that has given us so much. This project showcases our commitment to the continuity of Lygon Street’s iconic footpath dining scene and proudly celebrates our bold and unapologetic Italian heritage.

This renovation is not just about aesthetics; it’s about preserving the essence of Lygon Street’s cultural heritage, which is at the heart of D.O.C.’s ethos. The exterior façade has been upgraded with a sleek, modern twist, while the interior boasts warm, inviting hues of burgundy and creamy neutrals that evoke the charm of Northern Italian osterias. Banquette seating, marble tables, and a large central bar create an atmosphere that is both elegant and comfortable—perfect for both casual lunches and intimate evening meals.

The restaurant now accommodates up to 40 guests indoors and 40 more in a newly refurbished outdoor dining area. Inspired by the convivial atmosphere of Italian courtyard dining, D.O.C. Osteria offers year-round alfresco dining, enhanced by weatherproofing that allows patrons to enjoy their meals in comfort, no matter the season.

A Bold New Menu with Fresh Italian Flavours

One of the most exciting elements of D.O.C. Osteria’s transformation is its revamped menu, which promises to bring fresh, contemporary Italian dining to the forefront. The team behind D.O.C. Osteria has spent months curating a menu that embodies the finest flavours of Italy while offering an approachable and elegant dining experience. The new menu features classic antipasti, a fresh pasta selection with timeless sauces, a small but well-curated secondi and contorni menu, and of course, the iconic D.O.C. Tiramisù that has been a customer favourite for years.

Guests can look forward to indulgent dishes that showcase the essence of Italy’s culinary traditions. For a light starter, the focaccia with ’nduja and green olive butter offers a bold, spicy kick, while the summer panzanella—a bright combination of ox heart tomatoes, grilled focaccia, cucumber sauce, and a balsamic crunch—presents a refreshing twist on an Italian classic. For pasta lovers, the pipe rigate with ragù Senese and Parmigiano Reggiano offers a hearty, comforting option, while the one-kilo Chianina rib eye is perfect for sharing among friends and family.

Sweet tooths won’t be disappointed either. D.O.C. Osteria’s D.O.C. Paradiso is a divine take on the Italian childhood classic, featuring fluffy chiffon cake paired with a velvety crema pasticciera. Each dish has been carefully designed to highlight the freshest ingredients and deliver bold, memorable flavours that will delight the taste buds of even the most discerning diners.

A Place for Aperitivo, Wine, and Conversation

In addition to an upgraded food menu, D.O.C. Osteria also serves as a vibrant hub for the classic Italian ritual of aperitivo. The bar area has been restructured to accommodate a more expansive wine and aperitivo list, offering guests a chance to enjoy a pre-dinner drink, small plates, and great conversation. Whether you’re enjoying an aperol spritz or sipping on a glass of fine Italian wine, D.O.C. Osteria’s bar offers the perfect setting for an evening of relaxation and connection.

A Community-Focused Approach

D.O.C. Osteria’s transformation is not just about serving great food—it’s about reinvesting in the Lygon Street community and supporting the broader Melbourne food scene. The adjoining D.O.C. Delicatessen & Espresso has also undergone some changes, transitioning into a specialty grocer, paninoteca, and café. This addition further reinforces D.O.C.’s commitment to providing an authentic Italian experience beyond the restaurant walls, allowing guests to take home high-quality Italian ingredients and enjoy the flavours of Italy at home.

Beyond the physical transformation, D.O.C. continues to build on its reputation for quality and authenticity by looking toward the future. The team plans to return to Italy in 2025, working with key partners to develop new ingredients and recipes that will push the boundaries of Italian cuisine in Melbourne. As part of this vision, D.O.C. will also return to the Australian Open for the second year in a row, bringing its Italian flair to one of Melbourne’s most iconic events.

A Legacy of Italian Excellence

D.O.C. Osteria’s 20th anniversary renovation is a celebration of the past, present, and future of Italian dining in Melbourne. By staying true to our roots while embracing the future of Italian cuisine, D.O.C. has created a space where guests can experience the best of Italy in the heart of one of Melbourne’s most vibrant food districts.

As D.O.C. Osteria embarks on an exciting new chapter, it is clear that the restaurant’s legacy of excellence, community engagement, and authentic Italian hospitality will continue to shine brightly for years to come. Whether you're a longtime patron or a first-time visitor, D.O.C. Osteria promises to offer a truly memorable dining experience—one that honours Italian traditions while embracing the dynamic flavours of today.

So, the next time you’re strolling down Lygon Street, be sure to stop by and experience this bold reinvention for yourself.

Buon appetito!

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