We were first established in Barkers Road in 1988 by John Di Palma, his wife and a small team of dedicated staff. Since then, this family business has evolved into a local icon, providing a first class Italian restaurant experience in Melbourne's east. Whilst we know our regular customers love our renowned classics and signature dishes, we are also passionate about offering a modern and evolving menu.
Our success comes from the fact that our ever-changing menu caters for guests of all ages, from family get-togethers to corporate events. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with a true taste of Italy with a chic Melbourne twist. From our a la carte menu, enjoy our long standing classic dishes such as our semolina dusted calamari, our delicious half duck and Italian fish stew.
Our success comes from the fact that our ever-changing menu caters for guests of all ages, from family get-togethers to corporate events. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with a true taste of Italy with a chic Melbourne twist. From our a la carte menu, enjoy our long standing classic dishes such as our semolina dusted calamari, our delicious half duck and Italian fish stew.
Services
Not only do we pour around 15 wine by the glass, we also choose to support local Melbourne breweries, stocking the latest in craft beers from around Melbourne. We have a full bar with spirits & cocktails available as well as a seperate summer spritz list. Have a look next time you're in. Below is just a sample of our ever changing wines by the bottle.
We have the ability to join different rooms to make large and unique private dining rooms all whilst maintaining the atmosphere we are known for. Previous clientele have been impressed with our ability to cater for large groups and maintain the quality and choice of food, not usually found at other function centres.
Reviews (7)
Angie B.
Apr 07, 2019
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To get to Di Palma's for me on a Saturday night in traffic is almost a 45 minute drive, so I was really hoping it would be worth it. Guess what? It was.
We found parking across the street (though it can be tough to find a space) and were greeted warmly at the door and shown to our table. It's a large restaurant with a few different "rooms" and even more private "rooms" if you're having a big birthday, or anniversary celebration. Needless to say, tables aren't all on top of each other and you can have a conversation and be heard.
For entree, we shared
We found parking across the street (though it can be tough to find a space) and were greeted warmly at the door and shown to our table. It's a large restaurant with a few different "rooms" and even more private "rooms" if you're having a big birthday, or anniversary celebration. Needless to say, tables aren't all on top of each other and you can have a conversation and be heard.
For entree, we shared
Ann M.
Mar 18, 2018
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This is one of our locals, albeit one of the pricier ones. Service can be a little slow but on our date nights this is a plus. The food is very good without trying to be too fancy. Full range of pastas and mains are their strengths. More desert options than many Italian places too. Their pizzas are seriously good and a great alternative to entree if you're hungry or part of a group. The large premises mean you can usually get a seat too. When I'm not watching my budget or for the odd indulgence, this is definitely one of my faves.
Mina J.
Feb 04, 2018
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Two S.
Dec 17, 2017
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Lots to like here. I had a rocket salad with pear, which was superbly supersized by the very able staff. My friend had the calamari with fries on the side. Mitchell riesling all round. The food was thrillingly fresh and very well cooked and presented. The staff were excellent here. Very polite, responsive and efficient. The space itself is very nice, and on a gorgeous Melbourne day sitting in the open at the front was near bliss.
Chris L.
Jul 20, 2015
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Not really a review of the food as we never got to eat! Came in on a week night and it all seemed pretty quiet but we were told it would be a 30 minute wait for a table ( seemed a bit odd, but hey who knows what is going out the back? ) We went away and came back and were seated. after waiting another 30 mins with no waiter or menus we asked if there was a problem. The waiter said they would be with us soon. 5 mins later we had had enough and left. Possibly there was something else going on but if they could not accommodate us they should have told us, we would have understood. Won't be
Emily C.
Jun 02, 2014
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Was surprised first up by the size of the place, apparently 4 shop fronts? The food was good, nothing mind blowing, duck main was a little dry and veal medallions were really two small schnitzels, although the thyme and parmesan crumb was crispy and had a good flavour. Typical suburban Italian. Maybe a little salty. Highlight was the garlic focaccia to start with, dough had a lovely flavour and texture, made me wish I'd ordered the pizza.
Julia L.
Oct 19, 2011
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I've eaten at Di Palmas on three different occasions. Once with family on a Saturday night, again on Saturday for takeaway pizza and then attended a private function again falling on a Saturday night.
Similarly, I can not draw a conclusion as to wether this place really lived up to the expectations bestowed upon it by half the neighbourhood. One thing I can conclude however is that Saturday nights are extremely busy!
On my first occasion they were far too late in serving us both our mains and dessert. While the waitress was friendly and apologetic it was hard to tame my rumbling stomach
Similarly, I can not draw a conclusion as to wether this place really lived up to the expectations bestowed upon it by half the neighbourhood. One thing I can conclude however is that Saturday nights are extremely busy!
On my first occasion they were far too late in serving us both our mains and dessert. While the waitress was friendly and apologetic it was hard to tame my rumbling stomach
