Fresh, approachable, and accessible. Wine list of the year is in Melbourne!

The Wine List of the Year award from the Top Italian Restaurants guide takes us to Melbourne. The recognition goes to Caterina's Cucina e Bar, the establishment opened by Caterina Borsato way back in 1995. The quality of Italian wine collections abroad is impressive; it's becoming increasingly common to find bottles unobtainable 10,000 kilometers away from home, both in meticulously curated restaurants and in bars or pizzerias. Caterina's list succinctly encapsulates what we seek in a menu: research, originality, and accessibility of the offering. It kicks off with a selection of over 20 options by the glass, featuring true gems such as Silvio Carta's vermouth or choices from small winemakers like Biovio, encompassing Italian selections and a valid global perspective. The wide offering of half bottles is also very approachable, while the list is well-segmented among geographical divisions and varieties, presenting a broad, deep, yet never museum-like selection. The prices, in fact, are quite moderate compared to those of other restaurants in the city.

A reference point for aficionados of fine drinking

Over time, Caterina has managed to build a large following among Melbourne residents, both in the Italian community and among locals. The furniture, vintage elements, and marble lend the place a casual yet elegant atmosphere, while the kitchen offers traditional Italian dishes with excellent discipline and execution. Simple and direct flavours, from whipped cod to homemade tagliatelle with ragu or grilled swordfish with a layer of eggplant. Additionally, themed evenings with Italian producers are not to be missed for a holistic experience, all over 20 hours of flight away from Italy.