400 Gradi

The perfect wood-fired oven temperature for Pizzas…..

400 Gradi

400 Gradi isn’t about hype or egos, it’s simply a wonderful celebration of Neapolitan food…it feels like an old friend -with the unassuming warmth of an Italian trattoria, pizzeria or enoteca.

The youthful drive of chef and owner Johnny Di Francesco keeps the focus on Napoli and his recent accolade – having been inducted into the Vera Napoli Association and only the second Australian to ever be awarded – means that there has been international recognition of his abilities.

Johnny has a stable of pizzerias across Melbourne, but his recently expanded 400Gradi is his flagship, and a true reflection of his love for his ancestral home Napoli, in Southern Italy. The menu is typically Neapolitan and of course the star of the offerings, the wood-fired  pizza is cooked by three Neapolitan chefs in the traditional style handed down by generations.

The décor is a wonderful combination of classic Italian textures and colours, from the wide milk and espresso coffee ribbons of  Stucco Veneziana – to the very fine golden calligraphy that stretches the entire wall.  Antique gold lined black pendant lights of varying shapes highlight the magnificent wall finishes. The Terrazzo style polished floor has its own highlights that also reflect a slightly golden hue amongst a grey background.

Glistening mosaic marble tiles set the scene with varying shades used on the Wood-fired oven , bar front and entry areas.

The main performer, the pizza oven protrudes slightly into the new room and leads the eye back to the large open kitchen that overlooks the bar with its ceiling height smoky glass bulk head and dark veined 160 year old red gum slab bar top. The redgum is also used as table tops with quirky table numbers cleverly carved into each corner by a local artisan wood mason. A small area to the rear is lined with the wood for the fire – a perfect place for privacy or for a small group. The overall effect is modestly glamorous, yet typically Italian in its informality.

400 degrees (Gradi) is the ultimate pizza cooking temperature – it should cook quickly, be light as air and be on the table literally within minutes. Johnny’s pizza list takes us on a regional tour of Italy ending in the home of Pizza – Napoli the rest of the menu includes  Neapolitan entrees from mussels stuffed with capers and anchovy , scallops wrapped in prosciutto on pesto and olives  filled with three meats cooked in fresh herbs. There are 5 pastas and 3 risottos offered and mains include both seafood – calamari with peas and rocket and also some ‘Carne’ for the meat lovers. The wine list is a generous offering with both Italian varietals from Australia and regional Italian wines in the mix.

The expansive street-side dining areas that sweep the corner of Lygon and Weston Streets allows a further 40 diners to take in the passing parade and while Johnny had already created a home away from home when he first opened 400Gradi,  now with it’s size doubling and enjoying a complete renovation, the beautiful new 400Gradi will delight its already loyal following.

99 Lygon Street East Brunswick (the ‘other’ end of Lygon Street!)
93802320
Opening hours – 7 nights for dinner only