Rocco's Bologna Discoteca

Rocco's Bologna Discoteca is a Fitzroy bar and trattoria specialising in hot Italian sandwiches, regional Italian dishes, house made salumi and amari. HOURS: Wednesday - Sunday: 12pm - Late Take away only available for lunch. broadsheet.com.au says Former pop-up takeaway joint Rocco's Bologna Discoteca garnered a cult-like following during lockdown for its saucy Italian sangas. So much so that owners Emilio Scalzo and Zoë Rubino (Poodle Bar & Bistro) decided to pop-down permanently on Gertrude Street. With rich amber-wood details and curtain-covered windows, the two-storey space pays homage to old-world Italian trattorias and visits to Nonna's house. The daytime food menu stars Rocco's beloved sandwiches, of course. Namely, the signature meatball sub and fried-bologna sandwich, which returns as a late-night option. There's also a slew of larger Italian-style dishes by night, including bistecca alla Fiorentina (flame-licked steak on the bone), trippa alla Romana (Roman-style honeycomb tripe braised in tomato and white wine) and a number of house-made pastas. For something a little lighter, settle in for a salumi platter or a swirl of pistachio soft serve. Or a nip of grappa, made in-house. The potent Italian spirit will come infused with flavours like loganberry, peach and rosemary; lemon verbena; or whatever seasonal ingredients the team can get its hands on. Review by broadsheet.com.au