Anyone who lives in Melbourne and loves Italian food is well aware of the D.O.C. Group. The acronym, which stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata, refers to food and drink products from Italy that have passed the gold standard for being the best of the region from which they hail. Whether that's cheese, vino or a type of locally produced vinegar, these are the sorts of ingredients this hospitality dream team cherishes and highlights across its menu – hence its chosen name.
Until now, Southsiders would have had to venture north to Carlton's Little Italy precinct to enjoy the tip-top panini, pasta and pizza from D.O.C Espresso or DOC Pizza and Mozzarella Bar – but those days of hungry commutes are now over. St Kilda has just been graced with its very own D.O.C restaurant in the Saint Moritz residences on the Esplanade, just in time for the culinary juggernaut's 20th anniversary.
The new venue offers the same authentic Italian dining experience as the OG Carlton destinations in a luxurious space that seats more than 100 diners. Blow in a nice sea breeze from the St Kilda foreshore and you get the picture.
Freshly made pizza will feature (and trust us when we say it's some of the tastiest and most authentic you can try in town), with a selection of antipasti, primi and secondi rounding out the menu. The latter is part of a long-awaited main course menu, a real treat for longtime D.O.C devotees.
“The menu represents a glimpse into dining in Italy’s present day," says D.O.C director Michael Costanzo, so you can expect dishes with a contemporary edge. "The new space will feature the same timeless passion and service of our flagship venues while honouring the progression of Italy’s culinary scene.”
Think campanelle pasta served with duck ragu, beef tagliata and fresh market fish specials of the day. A semi-open kitchen and outdoor dining give the restaurant a breezy inside-outside feel, while a bar will sling freshly shucked oysters and house foccacia for snacking.
On the drinks front, anticipate a range of top-shelf wines from the cellar and classic Italian cocktails like Spritzes and Negronis.
DOC St Kilda is the seventh venue from the restaurant group, and is currently taking bookings at the website. What are you waiting for?
