7 Reasons why......
1. Authentic Italian Dining at its best
Here at Esposito we are flying the flag for quality Italian dining in Victoria.
Our philosophy embraces the highest quality control that begins with the suppliers who Maurice Esposito purchases from.
2. Only sustainable fish, and fresh local produce.
We live on this planet together and with this in mind we want to protect what we have for our children and future generations so we serve only sustainable fish species that have been killed immediately to reduce stress and then rapidly chilled to maintain freshness. The preferred method to achieve this condition is to be brain-spiked (a Japanese method called iki-jime). Esposito's mother Maria, grows many of the herbs and salads, and in summer we have her tomatoes grown from seeds brought over from Italy when they arrived in 1969. Her lettuces are on our menu many months of the year. During the summer you will be able to enjoy Maria's caramelized tomatoes and zucchini blossoms with our dishes.
3. The Australian Story
Quality never comes second to price. We choose Australian produce where-ever we can, regardless of what it costs us,
undertaking a continual search for the best sustainable produce available from around Australia.
4. Experience and expertise of Maurice Esposito
With 21 years experience, Maurice Esposito has evolved his own unique style of cooking. His love of seafood and shellfish is evident and his passion for home-made products comes from working with the best ingredients he can find. His style has developed through paying homage to the produce, in that the produce and the chef help each other be the best they can be.
5. Location, location, location
Located in the heart of the early Melbourne food scene in Carlton, the restaurant is a walk from the city centre and its many hotels. It is in Carlton that the push for Italian food and serious cooking took seed and grew... from the early Italian immigrants who came here with their culinary traditions, to Stephanie Alexander at Jamaica House in Lygon Street and the early Mietta’s in North Fitzroy, it is an area rich in history and flavour.
For Esposito to take residence in the corner building that was seafood pioneer Michael Bacash’s Toofeys restaurant for 15 years is only fitting.
6. The ultimate, relaxed dining experience
We are determined to provide attentive service that makes you feel like you are at home with friends. The smart yet relaxed dining experience offers you a warm atmosphere with artwork from Tom Samek and Nevin Hirik. "Safarti" chandeliers take centre stage in both the upstairs and downstairs dining rooms and tables invite comfort with our Riedel glassware and Villeroy and Boch crockery.
For Esposito cooking is about giving, nothing gives him greater pleasure than to see people around the table, breaking bread with friends and family and enjoying themselves.
7. BYO and a winelist that complements the food
We offer you the option of bringing your own wine or ordering from our wine list. We think you should have the choice.
Awarded Best Seafood Restaurant 2008 by the Restaurant and Catering Association.