Although pizza is usually associated with the South of Italy, the North is just as legendary. Melbourne-based, Merchant Osteria Veneta, is one example of why Italy’s Northeastern cuisine is gastronomically legendary. This Italian-inspired restaurant offers an extensive menu ranging from pastas and soups to calves liver and salt-cured cod.
Merchant Osteria Veneta is located in the gothic surrounds of the Rialto Towers court and was a venture by Guy Grossi. The restaurant offers delightful northeastern Italian meals as well as a tasteful selection of Australian and Italian wines. Although the meals are refined, Merchant Osteria Veneta still maintains the casual appeal for a quick meal straight from work or a weekday lunch.
For those who are not acquainted with Italian, an osteria refers to an informal restaurant that specializes in good wine and food. This tradition is fully embodied in the Merchant Osteria Veneta, with the establishment allowing the heritage structures’ original brick construction to shine throughout the outdoor and indoor dining areas.
The menu selections at Merchant Osteria Veneta are divided into meat, pasta, and fish with vegetables playing a supporting role as a side dish. The vegetarian pasta is among one of the most popular dishes at Merchant Osteria Veneta. The Venetian snacks are also a wonderful treat for the palate, with offerings ranging from the Prosciutto San Danielle to the fried cuttlefish. And for those who are unable to choose from the delightful dishes, the San Macro Feast is the way to go. This selection consists of a four-course meal designed to display some of the restaurant’s signature meals.
Merchant Osteria VenetaIs a space that’s authentic and exciting from the moment you walk in. The restaurant places great emphasis on Venetian tradition. The term Merchant refers to a casual area where you can have all sorts of dining adventures.
At Merchant Osteria Veneta there’s a seat for everybody. You could sit in front of an open kitchen with a view of the meals being prepared and served on the tables, or sit with a view of the bartenders topping peach puree to create the delightful Bellini.
Guy Grossi, the owner of Merchant Osteria Veneta is a presenter, media personality, and chef (not to be confused with the Guy Grossi who owns BC Services). He is also the head chef and owns other restaurants specializing in Italian cuisines such as the Ombra Salumi Bar and the Legendary Grossi Florentino. Over the years the grocery has established a reputation for himself as one of the finest Italian chefs in Australia. So it is no wonder that his establishments are some of the most frequented in Melbourne.
Grossi developed a passion for cooking during his early years. Grossi‘s father Pietro was responsible for most of Grossi’s early culinary education. Pietro was a renowned chef and this inspired Guy Grossi to follow in the family’s culinary tradition. Over the years, Guy Grossi has become well-acquainted with Italian cuisine thanks to his travels around Europe, as well as from skills he learned from the family tradition and heritage.