Stopped by without a reservation, which seemed to have been a problem. They let us eat here but…read morewith a time limitation. The cheese board was fantastic, the mains were also wonderful and delicious. The spaghetti with meatballs was a very salty but still enjoyable. The wine list had a great selection too. Waiters were polite and attentive, but it was a bit off putting to be greeted at opening time without a reservation we were rather unwelcome. Would go back without hesitation but would make a reservation in advance.

No doubt this is the most authentic southern Italian restaurant in Geelong. Start with the…read moreantipasto, choose from a wide range of pastas (recommend the ragu and the meatballs), but make sure you leave room for dessert - in fact for those thst have a sweet tooth just try them all. What I loved about Azzurra Trattoria is the family atmosphere...and I don't mean kids everywhere...I mean it felt like going home for a family dinner where Mum's cooking is better than you remember. Couple of things to know - this isn't a pizza restaurant, there is a fantastic wine list at reasonable prices and the bigger your group the better the atmosphere.

Great gourmet pizza (Had the prawn one, only slight criticism was the deep fried prawns). Staff are…read morefriendly and held the kitchen a little past 9:30pm for me. I wouldn't Normally give 5 stars but finding a slightly late quality dinner with a healthy salad option is seriously hard around this area. This business plays above its weight and I'm giving credit for that. Served a serious Campari spritz as well.

I've been to Al Forno three times now, and each time has been excellent. It's just a small local…read moreeatery, but it's well worth a visit. The food is always delicious and the service is great too. They're really accomodating when making adjustments to pasta dishes, and always get your requests right. Their gnocchi is superb and so soft, and their sauces are fantastic. I've had the gnocchi with chicken and avocado in a cream sauce, and I've had a gnocchi with chicken and avocado in a yummy curry sauce (sooooo good and way better than it might sound to some). Two out of the three visits, I've had and shared the chocolate mousse. The first time was delicious and the second time it tasted more like a light chocolate pudding/whip. The only minor negative I can say about Al Forno (and this is purely nitpicking), they don't play music so there's no real ambiance to the restaurant. Having said that, the decor is nice enough and the staff are friendly, so couple all of that with beautiful food, and this is now my favourite local Italian eatery. I highly recommend it. It's great for dinners with the family and it's really well priced.

Caruggi is excellent Italian. Authentic, provincial and perfetto! I can count the number of good…read moreItalian restaurants I know on one hand and Caruggi is now certainly on the list. For entree I ordered the focaccia with pomodoro (tomato), anchovies and capers. I was expecting some tasteless slab of salty bread plied with a few toppings. Hardly. The focaccia was wafer thin, crispy to bite and filled with melted cheese. The tomato topping was amazing, appropriately accompanied with salty anchovies. A provincial dish that I will be coming back for. My pork parpadelle was also perfetto (yep, perfect). I loved the diversity of the rustic Italian dishes on the menu. Generous in proportion, lovingly prepared and a far cry from the 80s style Lygon St Italiano machine. Caruggi Is yet another surprising made in Geelong culinary treat. Excellent hospitality too. I really can't wait to return.

Attentive and thoughtful staff…read more Great menu with subtle Italian flavours and tastes. Magnificent focaccia. Great seafood based mains. Highly recommended. A gem in Geelong.

Awesome Pizzas, restaurant is always busy... Nothings a…read moreproblem, relaxed atmosphere when picking up . Keep up the great work

Good food and great service. They are friendly and polite. Will go there again for sure.read more

Definitely 5 stars! I ordered the Chicken & Mushroom pasta and it was absolutely delicious. My…read morefiancé ordered the Hellboy pizza and it was also delicious. The crust on any pizza can make it or break it - the owner certainly knows what he's doing with the wood fired grill. Highly recommend!

From the owner: Italian Woodfire Pizza Restaurant, serving authentic woodfire pizza, woodfire lasagne and…read moremeatballs, pasta, risotto, modern breakfast and using Niccolo coffee beans on a La Marzocco espresso machine. Open 7am-Late, 7days.

Friendly service with authentic Italian staff! Great Food…read moreand Good Coffee! The owners of Sapori d'Abruzzo 861 have taken over the old Il Portobello restaurant site in Essendon. They have fully renovated the restaurant to make it more open & spacious. This does cause a bit of noise when there are a lot of patrons, but the friendly service & great food definitely make up for it! The menu has traditional Abruzzo meals to enjoy and a good wine selection for accompaniment. All in all it is definitely worth a try with a friend, partner or large group of friends. There is also a large function space upstairs to enjoy!

My dad took me here when I was a teenager and I've loved it ever since. We used to eat here and…read morethen walk over to watch a movie. I hadn't eaten here in years and years (my teenage days are sadly long gone), but when I visited home last year a friend suggested we meet at Lipari for dinner. We were a party of 5 and seated above the crowd in the restaurant. Our food arrived quickly and our wine glasses were generously filled (just how I like it!). It can be loud at times here, but I think it adds to the atmosphere of Lipari. Everyone should eat here - it's a Geelong staple!

Worst experience ever . We ordered our meals . It's a take away restaurant . We receive our meals…read moreand had two table spoons of it . We asked to package the rest to take home. He said no . It's a take away joint and you can't take your own food with you. Bullshit !

Fantastic food, friendly staff and great atmosphere. Will…read moredefinitely be back next time visiting this way

I'm eating here and thought that I would write a review because I am so impressed with the service…read moreand the quality of the food... I can highly recommend this restaurant