Cucinetta after work: a tiny Italian that feels like a treat
If you’re hunting a post-work spot in Melbourne that balances great drinks, proper food and an intimate room, make it Cucinetta. The space is small in the best way, a handful of tables, daylight on the glassware and a menu that reads like a greatest hits of Italian comfort. It’s the kind of place where you can drop your shoulders, order a spritz or a Negroni, share something to start and be eating fresh pasta before the work chat has even faded.
Why it works after 5
Start with snacks that match a drink, burrata with tomatoes, crisp arancini, a little salad. Follow with handmade pasta or a classic main if you’re staying longer. Service is friendly and unhurried, so you can debrief with a colleague, catch up with a mate or slide into a quiet date without fuss. Wines by the glass are tidy and there’s always a good option for a light white or a relaxed red.
Watch the vibe
We’ve paired this post with a short video that shows the room, the plates and the rhythm of service after work. It’s exactly what you’ll find on a weekday evening, small scale, warm and easy.
Where to find us
Cucinetta sits in South Yarra, a quick hop from the CBD and close to Melbourne’s most visited neighbourhoods. Think Prahran and Chapel Street a short stroll away, Toorak just next door, Richmond and Windsor minutes by train or tram. From the city, it’s about ten minutes by train to South Yarra, then an easy walk. In other words, perfect for a spontaneous plan after the office.
Make a plan
Book a table for a tidy after-work window or settle in a bit longer and let us pace the meal. Tell us if you’re celebrating and we’ll help with the timing and a sweet finish. Small room, big flavour, exactly what you want between work and the rest of your night.
