History
The Donnini family has had a culinary presence in Melbourne for over 70 years.
The Donnini family has had a proud culinary presence in Melbourne for over 70 years.
It all began in 1952 when Fernando and Elena Donnini, together with their extended family, opened the University
Cafe on Lygon Street
In those early years, the café became a welcoming home for many post-war Italian migrants. Not just providing meals, but community and belonging. Today, their grandchildren still
return to DONNINI'S, keeping the family tradition alive.
In the late 1970s, Tiberio Donnini expanded the family legacy by opening DONNINI'S on Drummond Street - a charming 48-seater - that quickly earned a reputation as Carlton's first authentic Italian eatery.
The restaurant's excellence was soon recognised with numerous awards, including the 'Ciao Italia Award' for Best Italian Restaurant in Australasia, presented to the Donnini family by the Italian President in 1982.
As Melbourne's love for Italian food grew, so did the DONNINI'S. The family opened Melbourne's first fresh
pasta outlets across five locations, eventually franchising "DONNINI'S Pasta".
In 1985, they launched "DONNINI'S Pasta Bar" on Spring Street in the CBD - a modern Italian bistro that pushed the boundaries of Italian dining with an inventive menu and dynamic wine list.
By 1993, the Donninis had expanded north, opening "DONNINI'S Ciao Italia" in Cairns, Far North Queensland - quickly winning the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
In 2002, the next generation - Marco and Riccardo Donnini - embarked on an exciting new chapter, partnering with chef Vito De Nino to open DONNINI'S on Lygon Street, just across the road from where it all began.
Most recently, in 2025, DONNINI'S was proudly awarded a coveted Hat by the ' The Age Good Food Guide', a testament to its continued excellence, innovation, and passion for Italian dining.
Today, the Donnini name remains a hallmark of quality, authenticity, and creativity - proudly serving Melbourne and beyond for generations.