Grazia - The Latest Hot Spot in Glen Iris

Grazia is the newest member of the Glen Iris culinary community. The Italian restaurant serves Sicilian cuisine with a modern twist. Inspired by his heritage, executive chef and co-owner Joe Di Cintio serves hearty Italian cuisine with a modern twist.

A short distance from Central Park in Glen Iris, the design of the 100-seat restaurant is contemporary and welcoming. The room looks small from the front, but the dining room has two floors and is filled with bright lighting, Italian marble and Venetian stucco. Dotted greenery and high vaulted ceilings that create natural light contribute to the cozy feel of the place.

The menu features shareable portions of Asagini (small plates) and antipasto (appetizers), such as roasted pumpkin, smoked scamorza, and rosemary arancini. Or breaded zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta, gorgonzola, pecorino and mozzarella. Several raw fish dishes are also available, with entrees such as fish of the day and breaded veal schnitzel served with roasted vine tomatoes, rocket pesto and Pecorino romano.

Crowd favourites include al dente pastas such as tortellini stuffed with wild mushrooms, creamy porcini and black truffle sauce, soft potato gnocchi, 8 hours beef jaw, green peas and Parmigiano.

Pizza is a large part of the menu and is carefully baked in one of only two Italian Castelli pizza ovens in all of Australia. Try classics like Margherita or Capricciosa Diavolina, but try unique combinations like "Zucc," with pumpkin puree, mozzarella, pine nuts, goat cheese, caramelized onions, and warm honey. Seafood lovers can enjoy Gamberoni Grazia with mozzarella, shrimp, arugula, pesto, green olives and peppers served by Chef Di Cintio.

Finish off dessert with classic tiramisu or fresh Alaskan bombs made with semifreddo al limone, candied lemon jelly, Pan di Spagna and burnt meringue. There's also a variety of freshly churned ice creams with flavours that change frequently.

For drinks, there are aged Negronis that have been fermented in wooden barrels for about a week, and there are many other classic cocktails to choose from. As for wine, there is a wide range of local and imported Italian varieties to accompany your meal.