How lucky is Mornington to have one of 400 Gradi founder Johnny Di Francesco’s establishments. Johnny’s a multiple award-winner; he has been named the highest-ranking Australian chef in the Pizza Napoletana STG category and was admitted to the championship’s hall of fame.
“Winning such awards is an honour,” he said, “but honestly I am the lucky one, able to use my passion to provide traditional Italian cuisine to our customers. That drives me every single day.”
400 Gradi Mornington serves simple yet sophisticated dishes from breakfast through to supper. The full service is split over two levels: upstairs, a bar and balcony with bay views doubles as a private event space, while downstairs the full 400 Gradi seasonal menu uses the best quality local ingredients to create pasta made by hand, antipasto, traditional Italian secondo meat or seafood dishes, and a selection of classic sides.
All pizzas are cooked to perfection in a state-of-the-art wood-fired pizza oven. In addition to hand-churned gelato, desserts are offered to sweeten your experience even further. Barista-perfected coffee and a range of local and European beverages are served.
It’s open seven days, but from 7.30am Wednesday to Sunday a sumptuous breakfast menu awaits you with favourites such as lobster eggs benedict and tiramisu waffles. Another wine bar downstairs serves cocktails, local and European drinks, and a home-style antipasto of salumi, cheese and accompaniments.
Can’t stay? Don’t worry: Gradi Mercato next door sells ready-made pizzas and pasta meals and other delicatessen favourites.
Dine in, take it with you or be tempted by gelati at Zero Gradi to enjoy as you stroll along Main St. Whatever you choose, 400 Gradi is all about bringing people together to enjoy great food and drink served with friendly hospitality Italian-style.
Opening hours: Monday-Tuesday noon-late;
Wednesday-Sunday 7.30am-late
400 Gradi 25 Main St, Mornington P: 9116 8350
www.400gradi.com.au FB: 400gradi Insta: 400gradi_au