Modern Italian dining with flair and a wink.

Marameo: Where Serious Dining Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously

Marameo sits in that rare sweet spot between sophistication and spontaneity. It’s the kind of restaurant where the food is refined but the energy is loose — think long lunches that become dinners, or post-work drinks that accidentally involve three plates of pasta. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, it’s effortlessly stylish, with marble finishes, warm timber tones and a playlist that hums just loud enough to feel alive.

The name, Italian slang for “cheeky gesture,” fits perfectly. Marameo is elegant but never stiff — an Italian restaurant that knows how to have fun.

The Food: Playful, Polished, Perfectly Balanced

The kitchen delivers modern Italian built on tradition but without nostalgia weighing it down. Handmade pastas are the star — the crab spaghettini is bright and delicate, while the duck ragu with pappardelle is rich and slow. Starters include creamy burrata with pickled peach, or veal carpaccio layered with parmesan and capers. Mains move between classic and creative — grilled kingfish with salsa verde or a deeply charred bistecca that demands a red to match.

Desserts are playful without being precious, from tiramisu to a negroni-inspired granita. It’s indulgent, but with restraint — the mark of a kitchen that knows exactly what it’s doing.

The Vibe: Italian Soul, Melbourne Swagger

Marameo doesn’t follow the formality of fine dining. It’s energetic, a little flirtatious and completely unpretentious. Service is quick-witted and confident, and the bar team mix spritzes that actually taste like summer. Outside, the courtyard glows with fairy lights and chatter; inside, the crowd is a mix of suits, creatives and anyone who knows a good pasta when they see one.

It’s Italian dining, Melbourne style — polished enough for a celebration, relaxed enough for a Tuesday. Marameo proves that great restaurants can take food seriously without taking themselves too seriously.