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Get ready to twirl your fork because Spaghetti Club has opened its doors on Richmond’s Swan Street. This new Southern Italian trattoria is the eighth venue from Melbourne’s ever-buzzy Mamas Dining Group – the team behind Disuko, Hochi Mama, Straight Outta Saigon and Suzie Q. The vibe? Eat spaghetti; no regretti.
Inspired by co-owner Lucas Gugliandolo’s Italian roots and the kind of long, laughter-filled meals around his Nonno’s table, Spaghetti Club is all about big flavours and big gatherings. "Our family's spaghetti tradition is a love letter to my Nonno's legacy," says Gugliandolo. "Every Monday, he'd gather us around with his trusty orange recipe book, passing down a taste of Italy. Now, we're carrying it on at Spaghetti Club – every sauce is a nod to the man who started it all."
Inside, amber lighting, dark timber, stained glass and crisp white tablecloths nod to Nonna and Nonno’s home, while marble finishes, cosy booths and candlelit tables bring the relaxed charm of a modern trattoria.
The kitchen is led by head chef Michael Flemming (ex-Totti’s, Botanical Hotel and Press Food and Wine) whose menu blends Italian tradition with Aussie nostalgia. "It’s not about replicating the dishes exactly," says Fleming. "It’s more about preserving the feeling of their generosity, simplicity and food that naturally brings people together around a table."
Think cacio e pepe arancini with black garlic aioli; spaghetti vongole with bottarga and lemon; and Nonno’s lasagne. There's also a very interesting Aussie-Italian Vegemite focaccia as well as a pork chop cotoletta that pays tribute to Gugliandolo’s childhood Monday dinners. Desserts keep things classic with tiramisu, ricotta cannoli and zeppole drizzled in smoked honey.
Drinks, curated by beverage manager Aaron Wall (ex-Eau de Vie), channel Italian aperitivo culture with spritzes, Negronis and cocktails like the Sicilian Sour. The wine list spans Italian favourites, while Birra Moretti, Peroni Red and Menabrea keep the beer offering firmly Italian. Cin Cin!
Spaghetti Club is located at 95 Swan Street, Richmond. You can find out more here.
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