Cicciolina has been around for nearly 20 years and has become one of St Kilda’s favourite restaurants. Now a celebrated Acland Street fixture, Cicciolina is the place to go for simple, authentic Italian cuisine.

With an impressive art collection covering the walls, Cicciolina feels like a dinner party in the home of an eccentric painter – it sets a somewhat chaotic yet charming ambience to complete the scene. In the evenings it is always full, and it can be a challenge to get a table; luckily they have a bar out the back where you can sit for a drink.

Like its art-lined interior, Cicciolina’s diners are an eclectic mix, often throwing down aperitifs and grazing through the afternoon on a bottle of wine and some tuna Carpaccio. As for the wine, you’ll be presented with one of the most extensive lists in town, with over 250 local and international drops to choose from.

They don’t take bookings but if you’re happy to wait at the bar for a table, Cicciolina will not disappoint.