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Jr. Staff Writer
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July 20, 2026
In Rome, a great meal starts with a smile. Now, Melbourne has a place that brings that same spirit through fresh sorrisi served to the table.
Newly opened over the weekend in Bentleigh, PRONTO478 is introducing the Roman street food to Melbourne, offering something that sits somewhere between a pizza and a panino. Designed to be eaten by hand, sorrisi is the hero of a fast-casual menu created by the award-winning team behind SHOP 225 and Il Caminetto.
If those names sound familiar, it’s because the sister venues have built a formidable reputation, taking home titles including Victoria’s Best Pizza 2026, Australia’s Best Pizza 2025 and Australia’s Best Pasta 2026.
At PRONTO478, that same commitment to authentic Italian cooking shapes a neighbourhood takeaway where every dish costs less than $25.
A taste of Rome in Bentleigh
Source: Simon Schluter
The menu takes its cues from the bustling streets of Rome. Alongside the signature sorrisi, you’ll find pizza al taglio sold by the slice, golden arancini, fried pasta croquettes known as fattatina, crispy calamari and fresh pasta dishes ranging from cacio e pepe to carbonara and bolognese.
Roman-style pizzas are available from lunch through dinner, with thin, crisp bases topped with everything from classic Margherita to mortadella with pistachio pesto and porchetta with roasted potatoes.
There are also lighter options, including Caprese salad and eggplant parmigiana, while vegetarian, vegan and gluten-friendly choices ensure there’s something for almost every diner.
The kitchen leans on regional Italian traditions, drawing on techniques refined at its acclaimed sister restaurants. The dough is carefully fermented, ingredients are selected with provenance in mind and the menu has been designed specifically to travel well, whether you’re grabbing lunch on the go or ordering dinner at home.
Co-owner Lorenzo Tron says the venue is about more than serving great food. “In Italy, food brings people together. Whether you’re grabbing something on your lunch break or sitting down with family at the end of the day, every meal is an opportunity to connect, laugh and enjoy the moment.”
That philosophy flows through the venue’s approach to casual dining. PRONTO478 aims to recreate the atmosphere of a Roman neighbourhood kitchen—a place where quick meals don’t come at the expense of quality or tradition.
Save room for dessert
Source: Supplied
Those with a sweet tooth can finish with dessert sorrisi filled with Nutella or pistachio spread, while savoury favourites include fillings such as porchetta (with a parmesan sauce and fig chutney!), beef meatballs, parmigiana, mortadella and buffalo mozzarella with prosciutto.
Although the opening-day giveaway for the first 478 customers has now wrapped up, the affordable menu remains one of the venue’s biggest pulls, with every item still priced under $25.
PRONTO478 is now open at 478 Centre Road, Bentleigh, from 11am to 8pm daily.
Dining and Cooking