Tazio Lunch Special: Italian Restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD
If you’re looking for an Italian restaurant in Melbourne’s CBD that offers a great value midweek lunch, Tazio on Flinders Lane is the place to go.
This cosy yet stylish spot not only serves up a $25 pizza and drink special, but also caters to dietary needs with safe gluten-free options. So, you can relax knowing that everyone at your table will be well taken care of.
With its welcoming atmosphere and delicious menu, Tazio stands out among the many Italian restaurants in Melbourne CBD. Whether you’re after a quick midweek lunch or a casual meal with friends, it’s an excellent choice for authentic Italian fare in the heart of the city.
>> Head straight to our personal tidbits including accessibility advice for Tazio Melbourne
Tazio Melbourne CBD Italian Restaurant
Located on bustling Flinders Lane, Tazio is a standout among the many Italian restaurants in the Melbourne CBD. We visit on a Tuesday and the atmosphere is just right—plenty of buzz without feeling overcrowded.
With large windows letting in natural light and a warm, relaxed vibe, it’s an ideal spot to linger over a meal.
The lunch special is fantastic value for money. For just $25, you can choose from a range of delicious 10-inch stone-baked pizzas, accompanied by a drink. Either the ‘Tazio’ draught by Deeds, the house red or white wine or a soft drink. It’s $5 extra for a gluten-free pizza base, which is prepared with safe food preparation standards.
Related reading: 35 Best Gluten-Free Melbourne CBD Lunch Spots 2024
To me, it was genuine Italian food. Delicious. Access to the entrance of the restaurant was via the lane, then up a few stairs to the ground floor. Might seem a bit confusing but once you’re in, it’s a lovely atmosphere and great food.
There is a front door on Flinders Lane, but this is reserved for wheelchair access. A great special is the $25 pizza and drink offer. If you are up that end of the City, this is a great place to stop and relax with good food and friendly service.
– Terrie
Tazio Menu
We opt for mushroom arancini, the gnocchi with malanzane, a Veneto pizza featuring pancetta, and goats cheese and the Della Mare prawn pizza. It’s delicious and the house wine accompanies it beautifully.
Other menu recommendations include the rich lamb ragù served with pappardelle, which is perfect for those craving a hearty dish. For a lighter option, the vibrant seasonal salads offer a refreshing contrast to the rich flavours of the pizzas.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet to finish off your meal, the dessert menu features delectable choices like tiramisu and panna cotta. View the Tazio menu online here.
Tazio Drinks Menu
Outside of the lunch special drink options, Tazio offers a great drink selection to accompany your meal. We choose the house wine, but the menu also features a diverse array of spirits and cocktails.
Beer enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of local and imported brews on tap, while those preferring non-alcoholic options can choose a mocktail.
Whether you’re in the mood for a rich espresso martini or a crisp cider, Tazio’s drinks menu is designed to enhance your dining experience. View the Tazio drinks menu here.
Our Review
I encountered my first pizza in 1967. I was studying at RMIT and one of my friends, who knew more about food than the rest of my class, went up Lygon Street and came back at lunchtime with this big flat box. He opened it up and a stunned silence filled the room as the whole class stood around with eyes agog, taking in the aroma and salivating. Of course, we threw our vegemite sangas in the bin and he had no choice but to share his gourmet delicacy.
I was reminded of that life changing event when, this week, we had lunch at Tazio.
I’ve had a lot of pizzas since 1967 and I reckon that this Italian Restaurant, located towards the eastern end of Flinders Lane, offers pizzas and other Italian cuisine that really captures the gastronomic heart of pizza’s homeland.
Tazios entrance is off a side street, but if you need direct access, there is a bell to ring at the Flinders Lane front door and you are made very welcome.
The ambience is definitely Italian, the wait staff are helpful and friendly, the food is very very tasty, with gluten-free options, and prices are reasonable.
Definitely worth adding Tazio to my list of favourite Flinders Lane Restaurants.
– Chris
Side Trip
If you’re exploring Italian restaurants in the CBD, Tazio should be at the top of your list.
At this end of town you’re only 800 metres away from Federation Square which has a variety of fun activities for before or after a tasty lunch. ACMI, NGV Australia and Koorie Heritage Trust are worth dropping in, and all offer free entry to certain exhibitions.
If you head further east, Fitzroy Gardens, Parliament House, and the Old Treasury Building are a short distance and worth visiting also.
Tidbits for Visiting Tazio Melbourne
Whether you’re in the area for lunch or just passing by, Tazio is a great spot to enjoy authentic Italian fare. With its prime location, welcoming atmosphere, and value-for-money specials, it’s one of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne for those seeking a casual yet delicious meal.
- The $25 Express Lunch deal includes a pizza and drink and is available Monday to Friday from noon;
- Gluten-free options include pasta and pizza at around $5 extra, with separate preparation areas for gluten-free items;
- View the Tazio menu online here;
- View the Tazio drinks menu here;
- While walk-ins are welcome, it’s always a good idea to book ahead;
- Opening hours:
- Monday – Friday, 12–10:30 pm
- Saturday, 5–11:30 pm
- Sunday, Closed
Tazio Accessibility
- Dining tables are comfortable with seating that has back support;
- The main entrance is accessed via a graffitied lane, Duckboard Place, and requires around 5 – 10 steps upon entering;
- The Flinders Lane entrance is normally closed to public, but can be used to accommodate those who need to access at ground level with no steps.
Getting there
- Flinders St Station is approximately 850 metres away.
Tazio Melbourne
91 Flinders Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
PH: (03) 9654 9119 W: tazio.com.au
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