1800 Lasagne

After his 1800 Lasagne delivery service rocketed into our culinary consciousness during iso, Joey Kellock has now made good on his plans for a bricks-and-mortar follow-up, opening the doors to his new Thornbury bar and eatery in November.

The warm, Italian-style haunt is low on pretension and filled with charming carryovers from its past life as an old-school pizza joint. A softly lit front bar is all exposed brick arches, timber panelling and curved high-top tables, leading to an intimate dining room through the back and cosy, vine-covered courtyard.

Parker Blain

The food offering is short and sweet, kicking off with snacks like garlic bread ($6) and plates of salumi ($9). Two of Kellock's legendary lasagne varieties (both $20) have permanent spots on the menu — the beef and pork combo, and a vegetarian-friendly melanzane (eggplant) version — though you'll also find the odd special. Match your feed with a classic caprese salad ($14), or perhaps the radicchio, fennel and blood orange number ($12).

The Italian vibe extends to the drinks offering, full of things to enjoy either with or without a hefty serve of lasagne in front of you. There's wine from the tap and the bottle, showcasing plenty of Italian varietals, alongside just a couple of beers — draught Menabrea ($7) and tinnies of Sardinia's Ichnusa ($8). Balmy evenings might call for something from the five-strong spritz lineup, while cocktails run to the likes of a negroni bianco ($20), amaretto sour ($20) and classic martini ($20).

Images: Parker Blain