Cicciolina

Cicciolina has been around since 1993 and has become one of St Kilda’s favourite restaurants. A celebrated Acland Street fixture, it's the place to go for simple, authentic Italian cuisine.

With an impressive collection of art covering the walls, Cicciolina feels like a dinner party in an eccentric painter's home – it sets a somewhat chaotic yet charming ambience to complete the scene. In the evenings it’s always full. It can be a challenge to get a table, but it’s always worth the hassle. Bookings are available for lunch and early dinners. After 6.30pm you’ll just have to wait.

Like the art-lined interior, Cicciolina’s diners are an eclectic mix, often throwing down aperitifs or 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 more than 250 local and international drops to choose from. The bar out the back is the perfect place to sample the wine list and bar menu while you wait for a table.