If you are looking for a dining spot that brings the taste and beauty of Italy closer to home, Olivigna Restaurant is the answer. Nestled in the rolling hills of Warrandyte, just 45 minutes away from Melbourne’s CBD, this charming restaurant is part of the breathtaking Pietro Gallus Estate. Like the charm found in the Meelup Farmhouse Menu, the Olivigna experience blends rustic authenticity with a modern touch that makes every visit memorable.
The restaurant is not just about food but about creating a journey. Guests enjoy a setting inspired by Tuscany, where olive groves, vineyards, and stone architecture create an atmosphere far removed from city life. This warm environment makes Olivigna a go-to destination for family lunches, romantic dinners, and celebrations.
What is Olivigna Restaurant?
Olivigna Restaurant is a Tuscan-inspired dining destination located at Pietro Gallus Estate in Warrandyte, Victoria, just outside Melbourne. It offers a unique blend of authentic Italian cuisine and Australian charm, with house-made pasta, breads, and estate-grown produce featured on the menu. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the restaurant provides a rustic yet elegant atmosphere that makes guests feel as though they’ve stepped into the Italian countryside. Known for its warm hospitality, fine wines crafted on-site, and breathtaking views, Olivigna is more than just a restaurant—it is a complete Italian escape.
Owners Info
Olivigna is owned by John and Anna Gallus, the passionate founders of Pietro Gallus Estate in Warrandyte, Victoria. Inspired by their deep love for Italian culture and traditions, they created the restaurant as part of their vision to bring the spirit of Tuscany to Australia. Their goal was to combine authentic Italian dining with estate-grown produce, fine wines, and warm hospitality. Under their ownership, Olivigna has become a celebrated destination where guests experience not just a meal, but a true Italian lifestyle surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
Location
Olivigna is located within the picturesque Pietro Gallus Estate in Warrandyte, Victoria, about a 45-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD. Set among rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards, the location offers guests a serene countryside escape that feels worlds away from the city. The Tuscan-inspired estate provides breathtaking views and a rustic atmosphere, making it a perfect setting for both casual dining and special occasions. Its convenient proximity to Melbourne combined with its tranquil surroundings makes Olivigna a sought-after destination for locals and visitors alike.
Menu at Olivigna Restaurant
One of the highlights of Olivigna is its dedication to Italian flavors with an Australian influence. The kitchen emphasizes house-made products such as bread, pasta, and preserves. Each dish tells a story, reflecting both heritage and innovation.
Fresh produce often comes from the estate’s own vegetable garden, olive groves, and vineyards. The menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring that guests enjoy ingredients at their best. Pasta dishes are made daily, and the bread arrives warm from the oven. Desserts, rich and indulgent, celebrate Italy’s love for sweet endings.
House-Made Focaccia
At Olivigna, the house-made focaccia is baked daily, served warm with olives, and infused with estate olive oil.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish | House-Made Focaccia |
| Description | Soft bread baked daily with estate olive oil, served warm with marinated olives, rustic and full of flavor. |
| Price | $12 |
Hand-Cut Pappardelle with Ragu
The hand-cut pappardelle with ragu offers silky fresh pasta paired with a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce full of flavor.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish | Hand-Cut Pappardelle with Ragu |
| Description | Fresh pasta ribbons with a rich, slow-cooked meat ragu, crafted with red wine and estate-grown herbs. |
| Price | $34 |
Braised Lamb Shoulder
Guests love the braised lamb shoulder, a tender cut slow-cooked in red wine and herbs until it melts in the mouth.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish | Braised Lamb Shoulder |
| Description | Lamb slow-braised in red wine, garlic, and rosemary until tender, juicy, and bursting with rustic flavor. |
| Price | $42 |
Tiramisu
For dessert, the tiramisu layers espresso-soaked ladyfingers with mascarpone cream, creating a light yet indulgent finish.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Dish | Tiramisu |
| Description | Classic Italian dessert with espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone layers, and a cocoa finish. |
| Price | $16 |
Wine and Beverages
Alongside its cuisine, Olivigna proudly serves wines and spirits crafted at Pietro Gallus Estate. The vineyard produces a variety of award-winning wines, including Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Chardonnay. Guests can also enjoy the estate’s liqueurs and grappa, carefully distilled on-site.
Pairing wine with food is an essential part of the dining experience. The staff is always ready to recommend the perfect match, ensuring that flavors are balanced and enhanced. For those who prefer something different, the restaurant also serves cocktails using estate spirits and refreshing non-alcoholic options.
Events and Special Occasions
The beauty of Olivigna makes it a popular venue for events. Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate gatherings are hosted against the stunning backdrop of vineyards and olive groves. The restaurant offers flexible spaces, from intimate dining rooms to large terraces for celebrations.
Couples especially choose this venue for weddings because of its romantic Tuscan atmosphere. The rolling hills and estate gardens create perfect spots for photography, while the food and wine leave lasting impressions on every guest.
Opening Hours and Visitor Information
Guests planning to visit Olivigna should know its hours to make the most of their trip. Lunch is served from Wednesday to Sunday, starting at 11:30 am and ending at 4:00 pm. Dinner is available from Friday to Sunday, beginning at 5:30 pm. The restaurant remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Pietro Gallus Estate, Warrandyte, VIC |
| Travel Time | Around 45 minutes from Melbourne CBD |
| Lunch Service | Wednesday to Sunday, 11:30 am – 4 pm |
| Dinner Service | Friday to Sunday, from 5:30 pm |
| Closed Days | Monday and Tuesday |
This schedule ensures guests can plan their visits, especially during weekends when reservations are recommended.
Why Olivigna Restaurant is Worth Visiting
Choosing Olivigna means more than enjoying a meal. It means experiencing Italian hospitality in a serene countryside escape. The estate-grown wines and olive oils, the hand-crafted pasta, and the breathtaking views come together in harmony.
The restaurant captures the essence of both Italy and Australia, celebrating food, culture, and landscape. Guests leave not only with satisfied appetites but with memories of laughter, flavor, and beauty. For those searching for a unique dining adventure near Melbourne, Olivigna is a destination that blends tradition with modern indulgence.
Ambiance and Atmosphere
The ambiance at Olivigna feels like stepping into an Italian village. Guests are welcomed by a large fireplace during winter and outdoor terraces shaded by vines in warmer months. The estate grounds are surrounded by olive trees and grapevines, offering picturesque views throughout the year.
Inside, the décor combines rustic elements with modern elegance. Stone walls, wooden beams, and high ceilings make the dining room both cozy and impressive. Whether you choose indoor dining or an alfresco table on the terrace, the views and atmosphere add to the joy of dining here.
Customer Reviews
Visitors frequently describe Olivigna as Melbourne’s “Italian escape.” Many guests say the experience feels like being transported to Tuscany without leaving Victoria. The combination of food, views, and warm hospitality often leaves a strong impression.
Here are some examples of what customers say about Olivigna based on Google reviews:
- “The food tasted so authentic, it felt like I was dining in Tuscany.”
- “Absolutely stunning views of the vineyards, perfect for a long lunch.”
- “Staff were so warm and welcoming, they made our anniversary dinner extra special.”
- “The estate wines and grappa were outstanding, a perfect pairing with the dishes.”
Final Thoughts
Dining at Olivigna Restaurant is more than just enjoying Italian food; it is embracing an entire lifestyle. The warmth of the setting, the craftsmanship of the dishes, and the elegance of the wines create an unforgettable journey. From family gatherings to romantic evenings, the restaurant delivers on every promise of excellence.
If your heart craves authentic Italian dining while your feet remain in Australia, Olivigna should be your next stop. The charm of Tuscany, the flavors of Italy, and the beauty of Victoria come together here to create a story worth experiencing again and again.
