Borgo Food & Wine

In the heart of Ascot Vale’s Union Road precinct, a new Italian dining destination is bringing the warmth, generosity and regional diversity of Italy to Melbourne’s inner north-west.

Borgo Food & Wine is more than just a neighbourhood restaurant — it is a celebration of two hometowns, two regions and one shared philosophy. Founded by Italian-born hospitality veterans Christian Giorgini and Danilo Vezzoso, the restaurant draws inspiration from their roots in Pescara, Abruzzo and Alba, San Lorenzo in Piemonte, creating a menu that explores the flavours and traditions of Northern and Southern Italy.

The name Borgo translates to “neighbourhood” or “borough” in Italian, perfectly capturing the restaurant’s vision: a welcoming space where guests can slow down, share food, discover wine and feel genuinely looked after.

Walking into Borgo, that philosophy is immediately felt. The space has the warmth of a traditional European home, with an intimate atmosphere designed for long lunches, relaxed dinners and lingering conversations over a bottle of wine.

Behind the menu is Sardinian-born Head Chef Lorenzo Spano, who brings together authentic Italian recipes with premium Australian produce and seasonal ingredients. His approach is simple — honour the traditions while allowing creativity to shine.

The meal began with a selection of dishes that showcased Borgo’s focus on fresh, balanced flavours. The Insalata di Polpo was a standout — tender octopus paired with potato, cherry tomatoes, pickled red onions, herbs and a bright citronette dressing that brought everything together beautifully.

Another classic Italian favourite followed with the Vitello Tonnato. The delicate veal carpaccio was paired with a silky tuna sauce, caper berries and fresh leaves, creating that perfect combination of richness and acidity that has made the dish a timeless staple.

Pasta is at the heart of any great Italian restaurant, and Borgo’s offerings are a true highlight. The Pacchero al Pomodoro proved that simplicity often creates the most memorable flavours. Featuring a rich tomato sauce, creamy stracciatella and fresh basil, the dish celebrates quality ingredients without unnecessary complication.

The Agnolotti del Plin offered another taste of Italy’s regional traditions. These delicate beef-filled ravioli were served with a deep beef jus reduction and finished with parmigiano, delivering a comforting yet refined dish that showcased the craftsmanship behind every plate.

For the main course, the Guancia di Manzo was the definition of slow-cooked comfort — beautifully braised beef cheek served with caramelised leek and sautéed spinach. Tender, rich and full of flavour, it was the kind of dish that encourages you to take your time and savour every bite.

No Italian meal is complete without something sweet, and Borgo’s Tiramisù was the perfect finale — a classic dessert that rounded out the experience with its familiar coffee and creamy layers.

The wine program is just as thoughtfully considered as the food menu, with approximately 70 per cent of the list sourced from Italy. Reflecting the restaurant’s regional journey, the selection features wines from Abruzzo and Piemonte alongside lesser-known varietals that complement the menu and invite discovery.

For co-founders Danilo and Christian, Borgo represents a return to the essence of hospitality — creating a place where people are welcomed like guests in someone’s home rather than simply served a meal.

After decades working across respected Italian venues in both Australia and Italy, their passion is clear: to bring back genuine connection, generous food and the joy of gathering around the table.

With its regional Italian menu, carefully curated wine list and warm, personal approach, Borgo Food & Wine is quickly becoming the kind of neighbourhood restaurant every community hopes to have — a place where the food is memorable, but the feeling you leave with is even better.

Location: 152 Union Rd, Ascot Vale

Phone: (03) 8436 1949

Menu: borgofoodandwine.com.au