Category Archives: Food

Pasta Hawthorn’ Where to Order Authentic Italian Favourites in Hawthorn, VIC

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If you’re craving hearty Italian flavours and classic noodle dishes, pasta Hawthorn delivers some of the best options in Melbourne’s inner eastern suburbs. Whether you’re hunting for traditional spaghetti al pomodoro, creamy carbonara, rich beef ragù, or a perfectly balanced gnocchi, Hawthorn’s vibrant restaurant scene offers both relaxed casual spots and refined Italian dining experiences right along Glenferrie Road and beyond. From sit‑down Italian bistros with house‑made pasta Hawthorn to trusted local takeaway joints, this guide will steer you to where to find genuinely satisfying pasta in Hawthorn, VIC.

A Local Hotspot for Italian Cuisine

Hawthorn has long been known for its eclectic dining culture. The suburb’s mix of buzzing cafes, cosmopolitan bars and classic restaurants makes it a destination for food lovers across Melbourne. Particularly along Glenferrie Road, Italian‑inspired eateries have carved out a niche by serving well‑executed pasta dishes that appeal to students, professionals, and families alike.

Classic Hawthorn Italian Bistro Experiences

Vaporetto Bar & Eatery

At the top of many Hawthorn lovers’ lists is Vaporetto Bar & Eatery, a place where Northern Italian cuisine meets contemporary Australian dining. Known for its atmospheric interior and relaxed yet elevated vibe, Vaporetto regularly features pasta specials that showcase both seasonal produce and regional Italian techniques. Locals often rave about linguine with seafood or house‑made ribbons tossed in rich sauces.

Rococo Hawthorn

Another stalwart of the local pasta scene is Rococo Hawthorn, a Glenferrie Road venue that serves simple, honest Italian fare. Rococo is beloved for its gnocchi bolognese and spaghetti meatballs — perfect examples of traditional Italian influences adapted for modern Melbourne palates. Its bright and casual dining room is ideal for lunch with friends or a relaxed dinner.

Standout Dine‑In Pasta Stars

Pasta Prego

Looking for classic Italian staples with a dependable following? Pasta Prego in Hawthorn offers a menu packed with comfort‑driven pasta favourites. Diners regularly highlight dishes like Chicken Alla Vodka, Burrata Alla Vodka, and traditional Carbonara. With strong reviews for both flavour and consistency, Prego remains a go‑to for many locals seeking rich, satisfying plates.

Quinti and Osteria 20

Further along Glenferrie Road, hidden gems like Quinti serve up artisanal plates such as homemade meatball pasta and tender gnocchi that reflect Italian culinary heritage. Meanwhile, Osteria 20 offers an authentic trattoria vibe with seasonal pasta and European‑inspired cuisine that pairs beautifully with Italian wine selections.

Pasta for Takeaway and Delivery in Hawthorn

Not all great pasta experiences require a sit‑down meal. Hawthorn also boasts excellent takeaway and delivery options — perfect for casual weeknight dinners or quick lunches.

Pasta Go Go

One highly rated choice in this category is Pasta Go Go, a local favourite offering a broad range of pasta dishes for pickup or delivery. Their Carbonara, Rosé Chicken pasta, and Beef Ragù are especially popular. Whether you’re dining at home or eating on the go, Pasta Go Go brings trusted Italian flavours straight to your plate without long waits.

A Complete Hawthorn Italian Dinner

For a full Italian experience in Hawthorn, many diners pair their pasta with starters like antipasti boards, fresh salads, or focaccia. Classic Italian desserts, such as tiramisu or panna cotta, round out the evening, especially at venues with strong wine lists and a relaxed ambience.

Santoni Pizza Bar

While known for its pizza, Santoni Pizza Bar also offers pasta and Italian‑inspired small plates in a lively, multi‑level setting. It’s a great option when you’re dining with a group — you can enjoy different pastas alongside shareable antipasti and desserts.

Insider Tips for Pasta Lovers in Hawthorn

  • Timing matters: Many Hawthorn restaurants fill up quickly during peak dining hours (especially weekends), so booking ahead is recommended if you plan to dine in.

  • Seasonal specials: Keep an eye out for pasta dishes that rotate with the season — places like Vaporetto and Rococo often showcase fresh ingredients in rotating chef’s specials.

  • Pairing choices: Italian wines or a classic Aperol spritz complement rich pasta sauces and enhance the overall dining experience.

The Verdict: Pasta Hawthorn Delivers

From classic house‑made pasta at sit‑down Italian bistros to reliable takeaway options perfect for delivery, pasta Hawthorn has something for every lover of Italian food. The diversity of Hawthorn’s options means you’re never far from a well‑executed plate of pasta, whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, celebrating a special occasion, or enjoying a relaxed dinner out in one of Melbourne’s most dynamic suburbs.

With Glenferrie Road at its culinary heart, Hawthorn continues to evolve as a destination for authentic Italian favourites — and when pasta’s on your mind, this neighbourhood won’t disappoint.

A Pasta Industry 1500km From Italy Is Thriving in South Australia.

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A pasta industry more than 1500km from Italy thrives thanks to a unique partnership between farmers, researchers and a major food manufacturer. This collaboration is based in South Australia and has seen the nation’s No.1 dry pasta producer – San Remo – grow its range of 750 products and export to 35 countries.

Better quality durum wheat

pasta SAAlmost no durum was grown in South Australia before the 1990s, but that has changed thanks to a collaboration between farmers, researchers and a pasta manufacturer. A nutty, high-protein variety called Yallaroi now thrives in the state’s harsh climate and is snapped up worldwide. That’s due to a lengthy research process, plant breeding, testing and continuous improvement.

It takes about 8-12 years to get a new variety from a University of Adelaide research project to a commercial release. It’s worth it, though, as the premium buyers pay for quality durum can be higher than for bread wheat.

The quality of durum is determined by its colour (yellowness), protein and vitreous hardness – it must be very tough and have a nutty taste. It must also grow in suitable soil with a high water-holding capacity and a sandy texture. Clare is one of the best regions in the country for increasing it.

Durum is more vulnerable to biotic threats than common wheat and requires lengthier rotations to build up soil nitrogen. It is also more susceptible to drought and can be damaged by frosts. Managing the risks involved in growing it can be challenging for growers. But flat world prices and a steady demand for high-quality pasta SA are helping to make it an attractive alternative to other crops.

SADGA aims to promote and support the growth of durum wheat in Southern Australia through its activities, including growing pure durum seed and conducting industry research. It also performs forums and crosswalks to educate growers, agronomists and consultants on the benefits of planting durum.

The organisation recently conducted a gross margin sensitivity analysis to compare leading durum varieties with several leading bread wheat varieties. Results showed that at all yield/price combinations, durum had a greater return than bread wheat. The research compared genotypes from DBA’s Northern and Southern programs, plus a variety of GRDC varieties. The trials were conducted in rainfed and watered blocks at Narrabri, NSW. The best-performing types were Trojan, DBA Aurora and 101042. These genotypes are suitable for high-yielding irrigated production systems and can be planted on zero or minimum tillage.

Locally produced

South Australia has an enviable reputation for excellent food and wine. It is based on the state’s sacred landscape and climate, centuries of hard work and a willingness to innovate. With a focus on innovation and the recent establishment of a Food Innovation Centre to maximise future opportunities, the industry is well-positioned for growth in local and international markets.

The state government has made a massive commitment to the industry. It is working hard in areas beyond biosecurity management to ensure pasta SA products reach as many people as possible. A significant part of this is investing in research and development to improve the quality of South Australia’s produce and make it more competitive in global markets. It includes supporting the Waite Research Precinct in Adelaide, home to the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI).

SARDI’s world-leading research in plant biotechnology, cereal breeding, sustainable agriculture, horticulture and wine and agribusiness is the basis for a robust local supply chain for grains, fruits, wines and other produce. It is also the key to developing and expanding export markets.

In addition to the world-class research SARDI conducts on behalf of the state’s producers, South Australia is fortunate to have an impressive network of farmers and small businesses dedicated to producing high-quality, locally-produced foods. It enables the local market to access fresh, locally-grown ingredients and avoid the need for expensive food miles.

For example, at Riverside Farm in the Barossa Valley, owner Richard and his family produce pastured eggs and wool and use a ‘zero waste’ approach to business. It means that eggs that are too big or too small for sale are used to make a range of artisan egg pasta. Duro Pasta uses their local, Australian durum wheat semolina alongside the wholesome, pastured Riverside Farm eggs and other seasonal produce to make delicious, hand-crafted Italian-style pasta spirals.