Funghi e Tartufo: Melbourne's Vegan Italian Destination
Hey friends! If you're in Melbourne and craving some delicious vegan Italian food, you’ve got to check out Funghi e Tartufo. Nestled in the heart of the city at 60 Hardware Lane, Melbourne, this all-vegan restaurant is a game-changer for those looking for something a bit different to the usual vegan restaurant offering.
The name, which means 'mushrooms and truffle,' perfectly captures their signature dish and their passion for unique, flavourful plant-based cuisine.
Funghi e Tartufo Menu Highlights
At Funghi e Tartufo, you'll find an amazing variety of Italian classics, all made vegan. Here are some standout dishes:
Lasagne: Layers of tender pasta, rich vegan bolognese, and creamy béchamel sauce, baked to perfection.
Spaghetti Carbonara: Creamy and smoky, this is a reimagined version of the classic.
Mock Meat Options: Try the Calamari Fritti, which offers a delightful crispy texture and flavour, or the Pollo di Cerda, a succulent vegan chicken dish.
Main Courses: Vegan barramundi alla Messinese and breadcrumb-grilled vegan swordfish.
Desserts: Panna cotta and chocolate cheesecake - two major stand outs on their menu.
And let’s not forget their impressive selection of vegan wines and cocktails, making it a perfect spot for a night out in Melbourne’s CBD as a vegan in Melbourne.
My Experience at Funghi e Tartufo
When I visited Funghi e Tartufo for a night out with my wife, the atmosphere of Hardware Lane in Melbourne was a bustling sight in itself. The aesthetics of Funghi e Tartufo - comfy, stone walls, very welcoming - added to the experience. The service was exceptional and attentive, but unfortunately, the food didn't quite match the higher price tag.
While Funghi e Tartufo positions itself as a more 'fancier' vegan restaurant destination, the flavours didn’t quite hit the mark. The spaghetti carbonara, although visually appealing, lacked any flavour besides the overpowering pepper taste that took away from the meal completely. Equally disappointing were the undercooked ravioli and spaghetti, which really shouldn't happen when you are spending over $30 for a spaghetti carbonara.
We started off with a cheese platter that was quite expensive and underwhelming for the $18 price tag. The small cheese piece wasn’t flavoursome, and the amount of crackers and other accompanying items didn’t justify the price. Thankfully, the desserts made up for the rather subpar offerings we had already experienced. While the destination makes for a nice change to the typical vegan restaurant offering, the quality of food doesn't match the pricing and I'd imagine others would feel the same way.
Talking to the local vegan community, the quality of Funghi e Tartufo has decreased from when they first opened. I hope that they are able to recapture that essence again in the future, as the idea of a fully vegan Italian restaurant is highly sought-after in Melbourne.
With their commitment to high-quality, plant-based Italian cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere, Funghi e Tartufo is a popular destination in Melbourne's vegan dining scene. Despite some recent inconsistencies, the potential for this restaurant is enormous.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this spot promises an unforgettable meal that respects both tradition and dietary choices. I’m hopeful that Funghi e Tartufo can refine their offerings and truly shine as a standout vegan dining destination in Melbourne.
Funghi e Tartufo, Melbourne
60 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Opening times:
Monday Closed
Tuesday 12–3 pm, 5–10 pm
Wednesday 12–3 pm, 5–10 pm
Thursday 12–3 pm, 5–10 pm
Friday 12–3 pm, 5–10 pm
Saturday 12–3 pm, 5–10 pm
Sunday Closed