When you walk into Tippy-Tay, you’re greeted by vibrant colors, vintage décor, and the hum of Italian music. Located at the Garden State Hotel on Flinders Lane in Melbourne, Tippy-Tay brings a modern twist to the classic Italian trattoria. At the heart of this lively space lies the Tippy-Tay menu, packed with bold flavors, playful dishes, and shared experiences.
This article explores everything that makes it a celebration of Italian cuisine. From antipasti to desserts, each plate tells a story. Whether you’re visiting for lunch, dinner, or drinks, the menu has something special for everyone.
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What is Tippy-Tay Menu?
The Tippy-Tay menu is a lively and flavorful celebration of traditional Italian cuisine served with a playful twist. Located inside Melbourne’s Garden State Hotel, Tippy-Tay draws inspiration from Italy’s Amalfi Coast, offering a dining experience that’s colorful, communal, and fun. The menu includes a variety of antipasti, handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, hearty mains, and classic Italian desserts like tiramisu and cannoli. Each dish is crafted with fresh ingredients and designed for sharing, capturing the spirit of a classic trattoria. The drink selection is equally exciting, featuring Italian wines and creative cocktails—including a signature Negroni fountain. Overall, it blends authentic Italian flavors with a modern, festive vibe.
Antipasti: The Italian Way to Start
Antipasti is more than an appetizer – it’s an invitation to slow down and share. Tippy-Tay’s antipasti offerings are creative yet rooted in tradition. They’re small, flavorful, and made for the whole table to enjoy.
You’ll find crispy arancini filled with pecorino and black pepper. Calamari fritti is perfectly golden, served with lemon and creamy aioli. The house-cured octopus “salami” is thin, savory, and unforgettable.
Each bite reflects Tippy-Tay’s playful take on classic dishes. This section of it sets the tone for what’s to come: big flavor, bold design, and plenty of joy.
Pasta and Pizza of the Tippy-Tay Menu
No Italian menu is complete without pasta and pizza. Tippy-Tay brings both to life in beautiful, flavorful ways. The chefs focus on house-made sauces, quality ingredients, and perfect presentation.
One dish that gets everyone talking is Last Night’s Lasagne. It’s crispy, creamy, and layered with slow-cooked meat and béchamel. Another favorite is the Spanner Crab Fusilli, a seafood dish that bursts with lemon zest and fresh herbs.
On the pizza side, you’ll find everything from the classic Margherita to more adventurous options like prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella. The crust is thin and crisp, the toppings generous.
Here’s a quick table to highlight some top choices:
| Dish Name | What’s Special About It |
|---|---|
| Last Night’s Lasagne | Crispy top, rich filling, unforgettable taste |
| Spanner Crab Fusilli | Fresh crab, lemon zest, herbed oil |
| Margherita Pizza | Tomato, basil, and stretchy mozzarella |
| Prosciutto Pizza | Salty prosciutto and soft cheese |
It proves that comfort food can be exciting. You’ll want to try more than one dish, and that’s the point – everything is meant for sharing.
Signature Mains and Sides to Savor
If you’re craving something beyond pasta and pizza, the main course section offers hearty, flavorful choices. Think perfectly grilled seafood and tender meats with simple, rustic sauces.
Try the grilled swordfish topped with salsa verde, or the slow-roasted Hazeldene’s chicken. Duck risotto is another standout, cooked until creamy with thyme and wine.
Sides like Tuscan slaw and crispy roast potatoes round out the meal. These dishes may seem simple, but they’re made with care and balance out the richer flavors on the plate.
Everything on it is prepared to match and mix. The mains and sides are no exception – they bring warmth and comfort with each bite.
Decadent Desserts with a Vintage Touch
Dessert at Tippy-Tay is more than sweet – it’s a show. A roaming dessert trolley visits your table, filled with classic Italian treats. This feature adds old-world charm and brings the fun directly to you.
Top picks include:
- Tiramisu layered with espresso-soaked sponge and soft mascarpone.
- Sicilian cannoli, stuffed with ricotta and dipped in chocolate.
- Chocolate budino, a rich and silky pudding topped with whipped cream.
The dessert section of it is built for indulgence. It’s meant to be shared – or not. You may want to keep that tiramisu all to yourself.
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Cocktails and Wine That Sparkle
When it comes to drinks, the cocktail menu is just as exciting as the food. Tippy-Tay serves up twists on Italian classics along with house inventions. Each cocktail is fun, colorful, and full of life.
You’ll find negronis on tap, bellinis with fresh peach, and limoncello spritzes. If you prefer wine, the list is small but powerful. It focuses on Italian grapes and blends, chosen to pair with the menu’s rich flavors.
There’s something for everyone, from bright whites for seafood to full-bodied reds for pasta. It understands that a great drink completes the meal.
Weekday Lunch Specials Worth Your Time
If you’re in the city during the day, Tippy-Tay’s lunch special is perfect for a quick indulgence. From Monday to Friday, between 12 and 3 PM, you can enjoy a two-course lunch and wine for just $39.
The special menu changes regularly, but you’ll always find a delicious entrée, a hearty main, and a house wine. It’s an affordable way to enjoy high-quality Italian food without the evening crowd.
Here’s what a sample lunch deal might look like:
| Course | Example Item |
|---|---|
| Entrée | Calamari Fritti |
| Main | Fusilli with Tomato |
| Drink | House White or Red |
This offering is a favorite for office workers and tourists alike. It’s a casual way to experience the heart of it in a short amount of time.
Why the Tippy-Tay Menu Feels So Special
There’s a reason Tippy-Tay stands out in Melbourne’s food scene. The menu isn’t just a list of meals – it’s a celebration. Everything is made with the intention to be enjoyed with others. It’s messy, theatrical, and deeply satisfying.
Even simple plates like lasagne or arancini are elevated with top-tier ingredients and bold presentation. It’s not about reinventing Italian food. It’s about honoring it while having a little fun along the way.
Whether you’re out with friends or on a special date, it makes any moment feel like a celebration.
Plan Your Visit to Tippy-Tay
If this menu sounds too good to resist, planning your visit is easy. Tippy-Tay is located at the Garden State Hotel, 101 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. It’s open for lunch and dinner and offers bookings online.
Whether you’re a die-hard Italian food lover or someone trying it for the first time, you’ll find something you love. The staff is friendly, the music is lively, and the vibe is always fun.
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Final Thoughts
The Tippy-Tay menu is not just about Italian food – it’s about the full experience. From shared antipasti to creative cocktails, every element invites you to relax, laugh, and eat well.
It respects tradition while still feeling fresh. With its blend of theater, flavor, and joy, Tippy-Tay offers a slice of Italy right in the heart of Melbourne.
Next time you’re wondering where to eat, consider Tippy-Tay. Come hungry, bring friends, and prepare to fall in love with every bite. That’s amore!
