The best lasagne in Melbourne

Homestyle Italian comfort food with a glass of red is winter’s ultimate pleasure. Here’s where to find Melbourne’s best lasagne, whether you like yours with duck, vegan bolognese or ten different kinds of cheese.

Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar

Simple and authentic Italian fare that has barely changed since the ‘50s. That’s the promise at Bourke Street icon Pellegrini’s. Take a seat at the long, curved bar and order a slab of homemade lasagne. Al dente pasta, layered with a generous serving of meat and topped with a dusting of parmesan.

Grossi Cellar Bar

Guy Grossi’s take on this Italian dish might just be Melbourne's most famous lasagne. Experience it in the laid-back sophistication of the Cellar Bar at Grossi Florentino. The short, cafe-style menu favours pasta. And the rich bolognese sauce – an old family recipe – sings in the lasagne. 

Marameo

Why settle for just one type of cheese in your pasta when you can have ten? Pasta palace Marameo’s 10 cheese lasagne is not for the faint-hearted. The vegetarian dish is loaded with wild and local mushrooms. The earthy flavours perfectly balance out all that cheesy goodness. Gluten-free pasta is also available.

Funghi e Tartufo

A vegan, a coeliac and a low-fodmapper walk into an Italian restaurant. Sounds far fetched? Not at Funghi e Tartufo, where all the dishes are plant-based and there’s plenty of gluten-free and low-fodmap options on the menu. Indulgent Italian comfort food for everyone, finally! The lasagne, stacked with meatless sauce, is a favourite among diners.

DOC Espresso 

Known for their award-winning pizza, the team at DOC Gastronomia Italiana have created the ultimate pasta spot, DOC Espresso. The lasagne is a little slice of Emilia Romagna in Melbourne. Made in the traditional way with fresh pasta sheets, dollops of bolognese and a thick béchamel. It’s finished with a generous serving of parmigiano. There’s also a vegie version and a smaller serving for bambinis, too. 

Tiamo 

From one Lygon Street icon to another. Don’t be deterred by the line snaking out the door of Tiamo, it’s well worth the wait. This quintessential Italian spot serves up a cracking lasagne. Layers of pasta are dripping with lashings of Bologna sauce and gooey béchamel. Order a side of garlic and herb focaccia to mop it all up. 

Di Stasio Citta

Who needs meat when you have Di Stasio Citta's dreamy veggie sensation? The pasta masters' lasagne pasqualina has delicious layers of mozarella, basil and tomatoes. The result is a golden, cheesy, fine dining take on a homestyle dish.

La Camera 

A double-meat sensation, this is lasagne just like Nonna used to make. La Camera dials up the flavour of Nonna Chiara’s lasagne with both pork and veal. They throw in a sprinkling of garlic and herbs, mozzarella for that stretch, and finish it off with parmesan. This dish is best enjoyed alfresco on the balcony overlooking the Yarra River.