A whirlwind of enticing aromas and dazzling colours, paired with warm smiles and heartfelt hospitality, framed the more than 200 stalls that animated the Italian Festa & Expo 2025.
It felt like a bustling neighbourhood market, overflowing with authentic flavours from the Belpaese. Long queues formed in front of the countless stands serving handmade pasta and pizza, crispy cannoli and creamy tiramisù.
Melbourne’s many small artisans of taste delighted the steady flow of visitors in search of true Italian flavour, tempting them with specialties ranging from cured meats and cheeses to regional treats such as panzerotti pugliesi and sfinci siciliani, not to mention the always-popular arancini.
Alongside historic names in Australia’s Italian culinary scene, such as Floridia Cheese and Pidapipò Gelateria, were rising stars like Intocore, known for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas and catering service, and Pauly’s Cannoli, a crowd favourite for sweet indulgence.
The festival also reserved a special place for aperitifs and digestifs, where endless variations of Italy’s beloved Spritz and new Australian takes on limoncello and crema di limoncello captured hearts and tastebuds alike.
One such story is that of Patrick Ferro, born in Australia to Calabrian parents. During a holiday along the stunning Amalfi Coast, he fell in love with the local limoncello and decided to bring its spirit home to Australia. His brand, Sapori D’Amalfi, was first introduced at last year’s Melbourne Italian Festa.
“The cream limoncello is the most popular, because it’s something new and unique in Australia. Instead of using water, we use a base of cream and milk,” Ferro explained.
There were also brands born from skill, precision and experimentation, offering impeccable bottled cocktails ready to pour, such as Drinks By Loro, founded by a team of talented bartenders led by Orlando Marzo, winner of the 2018 Diageo World Class competition.
The event wasn’t only about food and drink: artisans of leather goods, jewellery crafted with ancient techniques, home décor and natural beauty products added charm and diversity, showcasing the timeless appeal of Italian creativity and craftsmanship.
Dining and Cooking