Lobster Cave Menu might tempt seafood lovers, but if you are in Melbourne, the sooshi mango restaurant offers something unique.
This dining spot combines the flavors of authentic Italian cuisine with the warmth of a family home and the humor of a comedy act.
From the moment you step inside, you are surrounded by nostalgia, laughter, and the smell of fresh pasta.
What is Sooshi Mango Restaurant?
The Sooshi Restaurant, officially known as Johnny, Vince & Sam’s Ristorante, is an Italian-themed eatery in Carlton, Melbourne, created by the popular Australian comedy trio Sooshi Mango. Designed to feel like stepping into a traditional Nonna’s home, it blends nostalgic décor—lace tablecloths, floral wallpaper, and family photos—with authentic Italian comfort food.
Co-developed with award-winning chef Johnny Di Francesco, the restaurant offers dishes like pasta, meatballs, lasagna, and arancini, all served in a lively, walk-in-only setting that mixes humor, culture, and hospitality into a memorable dining experience.
Owners Info
The Sooshi Restaurant is owned by the comedy trio Joe Salanitri, Carlo Salanitri, and Andrew Manfre, known collectively as Sooshi Mango. Famous for their Italian-inspired comedy skits, they partnered with hospitality experts, including award-winning chef Johnny Di Francesco, to bring their vision of a nostalgic, family-style Italian dining experience to life in Melbourne.
Location
The Sooshi Restaurant is located at 306–308 Lygon Street, Carlton, Melbourne, in the heart of the city’s vibrant Italian precinct. This iconic location is known for its rich food culture, making it the perfect setting for the restaurant’s authentic Italian flavors and nostalgic Nonna-style atmosphere.
It is designed to look and feel like your Nonna’s living room, complete with lace tablecloths, crystal cabinets, and family photos.
Every corner has small details that make you feel like you have stepped back into a 1980s Italian-Australian home.
How Sooshi Mango Restaurant Came to Life
The sooshi restaurant is the creation of the Australian comedy trio Sooshi Mango, famous for their Italian-inspired skits.
Joe and Carlo Salanitri, along with Andrew Manfre, brought their much-loved characters—Johnny, Vince, and Sam—into real life.
They wanted to give diners more than a meal; they wanted to create an immersive cultural experience.
Menu and Prices at Sooshi Mango Restaurant
The menu is a key highlight at the sooshi restaurant.
Award-winning chef Johnny Di Francesco, known for his world-class pizzas, helped design a menu that respects tradition.
Classic Italian favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, arancini, lasagna, and gnocchi in rich sugo are served fresh every day.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Fresh spaghetti topped with tender meatballs in a rich, slow-cooked tomato sugo. Finished with parmesan and basil for a true Italian comfort dish.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Pasta |
| Key Ingredients | Spaghetti, beef meatballs, tomato sugo |
| Serving Style | Topped with parmesan and fresh basil |
| Price | $24.00 |
Arancini
Golden-fried risotto balls with a crispy shell and creamy mozzarella center. Served with tangy tomato sugo for the perfect bite.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Appetizer |
| Key Ingredients | Arborio rice, mozzarella, tomato sugo |
| Serving Style | Golden-fried with dipping sauce |
| Price | $14.00 |
Lasagna
Layers of pasta, rich ragu, and creamy béchamel baked until golden. A homestyle favorite that’s hearty and full of flavor.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Baked Pasta |
| Key Ingredients | Pasta sheets, ragu, béchamel, mozzarella |
| Serving Style | Oven-baked and served hot |
| Price | $26.00 |
Gnocchi in Sugo
Soft potato gnocchi coated in a fragrant, herbed tomato sauce. Topped with parmesan for a warm, comforting dish.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Pasta |
| Key Ingredients | Potato gnocchi, tomato sauce, herbs |
| Serving Style | Tossed in sugo and topped with parmesan |
| Price | $23.00 |
Cotoletta
Crispy crumbed veal or chicken cutlet fried to golden perfection.Served with fresh lemon for a zesty finish.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Main Course |
| Key Ingredients | Veal or chicken, breadcrumbs, lemon |
| Serving Style | Pan-fried and served with a lemon wedge |
| Price | $28.00 |
Neapolitan Pizza
Authentic wood-fired pizza with a thin, airy crust. Topped with fresh tomato, mozzarella, and traditional ingredients.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Pizza |
| Key Ingredients | Pizza dough, tomato, mozzarella, toppings |
| Serving Style | Wood-fired with a light airy crust |
| Price | $22.00 |
Italian Smash Burger
Juicy beef patty layered with cheese, salad, and house sauce. Served on a soft bun with fries or salad.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Burger |
| Key Ingredients | Beef patty, cheese, salad, house sauce |
| Serving Style | Served with fries or side salad |
| Price | $20.00 |
Viennetta Dessert
Layers of vanilla ice cream and crisp chocolate ripples. A nostalgic, sweet way to end the meal.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Dessert |
| Key Ingredients | Vanilla ice cream, chocolate layers |
| Serving Style | Sliced from frozen layered cake |
| Price | $10.00 |
Booking Policy and Dining Style
The sooshi restaurant operates on a walk-in only basis.
This means guests can enjoy a spontaneous dining experience without the formality of reservations.
It adds to the relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere that the restaurant aims to create.
Upstairs Cocktail Bar and Seating
Recently, the restaurant expanded to include an upstairs area with a stylish bar and more seating.
The bar serves creative cocktails like the olive-oil-infused Nonno’s Garden Martini and fresh basil gin blends.
The space is ideal for private functions or late-night drinks with friends.
Kayo Deals might excite sports fans with streaming bargains, but here the real deal is in the flavors and the atmosphere.
Whether you are upstairs enjoying a cocktail or downstairs enjoying pasta, the warmth of the place stays with you.
Key Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 306–308 Lygon Street, Carlton, Melbourne |
| Theme | Nostalgic Nonna’s home décor |
| Menu Designer | Chef Johnny Di Francesco |
| Booking Policy | Walk-ins only |
| Special Drinks | Nonno’s Garden Martini, Gin Basil Smash |
| Extra Spaces | Upstairs bar, private dining |
Possible New Openings
There are rumors that a new sooshi restaurant may open in Sydney’s Leichhardt area.
This would bring the restaurant’s unique blend of food and humor to a new audience.
For now, Melbourne locals and tourists are the lucky ones to enjoy the original.
Food That Connects with Culture
Every dish at the sooshi restaurant reflects Italian family traditions.
The sauces are rich and slow-cooked, the pasta is fresh, and the portions are generous.
It’s food that makes you think of Sunday lunches and festive gatherings.
Keeping Traditions Alive
At Sooshi Restaurant, food is more than just something to eat—it is a celebration of heritage and tradition. The menu draws from authentic Italian recipes passed down through generations, filled with flavors that bring back family memories.
Flavors Rooted in Tradition
The sauces are slow-cooked for hours, allowing tomatoes, garlic, and herbs to create a deep, rich taste. Fresh pasta is made to perfection, offering a texture and flavor that reflects Italy’s culinary pride.
More Than Just a Meal
Dining here is about connection, not just consumption. Dishes like lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs represent the warmth and togetherness of Italian family life.
Atmosphere
From lace tablecloths to vintage cabinets, the décor mirrors a classic Nonna’s home. This immersive setting makes the cultural connection even stronger for diners.
Food as a Universal Language
The Sooshi Restaurant blends humor, nostalgia, and authentic cooking. Every meal becomes a bridge between cultures, bringing people together at one table.
Why It Stands Out
The mix of comedy, nostalgia, and genuine hospitality sets the sooshi mango restaurant apart from other Italian eateries.
You come for the laugh, but you leave talking about the flavor of the lasagna or the tenderness of the meatballs.
It’s a place where food and fun come together naturally.
Customer Reviews
Here are a few real customer reviews about Sooshi Restaurant (Johnny, Vince & Sam’s Ristorante):
- Jane D: “One of the best dining experiences I have had. Food fantastic, great service and the decor is phenomenal.”
- Anonymous Reviewer: “Themed Italian restaurant, with great service. Little on the expensive side, however service was excellent with food being average.”
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for more than just dinner, the sooshi mango restaurant is a must-visit in Melbourne.
It’s a warm reminder of the power of food, family, and a little humor to bring people together.
Every bite feels like a hug, and every laugh makes the night even better.
