Capitano

Perhaps it’s the simplicity of the concept, but Capitano seems to offer a little something for everyone. Come here early evening and you’ll find family groups tucking into some of the best pizzas in Melbourne – perhaps a thick-crusted, crisp-edged square topped with pepperoni and pickled chillies, or a more conventional thin, charry-crusted round with meatballs and milky fior di latte cheese. Later in the evening the adult crowd gets a little younger, the music and noise go up, the drinks list comes under increased scrutiny and people come in for drinks at the bar and a snack or two – maybe tinned anchovies, marinated olives and garlic focaccia. 

Capitano certainly has plenty of bustle most nights of the week, but it also has great staff skilled at ensuring everyone is well fed and watered, even when the crowd and the noise swell. And the serious devotion to great drinks means the glassware is as correct and fine as what goes in it, whether you’re drinking wine, beer or a Peanut Butter and Miso Old Fashioned (a surprisingly successful combination).