Cecconi’s

The Bortolotto family has been part of the Melbourne hospitality industry for the past 40 years. Since 2006, its Flinders Lane restaurant, Cecconi’s, has sat handsomely at number 61.

Sebastiono Pezzoli heads the open-plan kitchen. Cecconi’s grows its own seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs such as figs, eggplants and garlic to help create dishes such as the signature seafood linguine, veal cotoletta with slaw and twice-cooked duck with caramelised black figs and walnuts.

The dining space emphasises bold blacks, clean whites and patented brass. The room flows effortlessly from the casual cellar bar into the formal dining room, with the theme following right through to the kitchenware and menus.

Tables are whitewashed and copper trimmed, while a commemorative wall display of photos celebrates the history of the Bortolotto family. Copper sconces adorn the walls and striking, low-hanging hemispherical light pendants define each room.

Banquettes and black bentwood chairs make for an inviting place to sit and take in the sophisticated ambience with a half bottle of Italian wine, or a cocktail for any mood.