15 Years of 400 Gradi

Oh, what a night. Tanti auguri 400 Gradi e bravo!

What an unforgettable night it was. 400 Gradi’s 15th birthday celebration, hosted in the beating heart of Brunswick at its flagship restaurant, wasn’t just any event; it was a grand spectacle, featuring an abundance of tantalising Italian delicacies, free flowing Prosecco, Limoncello and Aperol spritz, all wrapped in an atmosphere of sheer jubilation.

Back in 2008, this unassuming spot sparked the beginning, igniting a phenomenal gastronomic expedition that crossed borders and delighted taste buds across the globe. Over the last 15 years, 400 Gradi has transcended mere dining moments and delectable dishes; it has been a voyage infused with enduring passion, unwavering dedication, and the unmatched artistry of its visionary founder, Johnny Di Francesco.

Leading this magnificent evening of celebration was the visionary maestro himself, Johnny Di Francesco, dressed in a royal blue dinner jacket, warmly greeting each guest as if they were family. The exclusive affair was also attended by a prestigious ensemble, including esteemed chefs Adam D’Sylva and Shane Delia, world middleweight champion Michael Zerafa, DJ Perri Lee, TV personality Jo Hall, fashion luminary Dom Bagnato, GoggleBox star Anastasia Katselas, comedy troupe Sooshi Mango, and the esteemed John St Peeters OAM – who serenaded us all with his accordion rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’.

As the soirée unfolded, guests entered the red carpet, sipping champagne, greeted by a magnificent array of culinary treasures spread across the venue. From the spaghetti alla ruota station (mouthwatering spaghetti served in a giant parmesan cheese wheel) to the flavourful polpette and irresistibly crispy arancini, and of course, mountains upon mountains of 400 Gradi’s world-renowned signature margherita pizza was always within arm’s reach. Amid the gastronomic delight, the Italian-style grazing table stole the show—an absolute dream, this masterpiece was adorned with an abundance of artisanal cheeses, succulent cured meats, and vibrant antipasti all tantalisingly displayed on a table at least 20ft long. This visual delight promised a sensory experience beyond comparison, and it certainly delivered – I’m still dreaming of this.

Laughter and camaraderie filled the air, creating an electric atmosphere like no other, fueled by a collective love of 400 Gradi. DJ Mark Pellegrini spun incredible beats right throughout the night, accompanied by a very talented saxophone player, the dance floor was on fire. Embracing the Italian spirit, the most spirited tarantella this side of Calabria, as well as a restaurant-wide conga line to ‘Ciao Bella’ invited guests of all ages to join in the fun – and you bet they did! There was even some countertop dancing from 400 Gradi’s charismatic chefs and waitstaff – all filled with pure and utter joy. It was contagious.

The pinnacle arrived with Johnny and his wife Maria cutting the enormous celebratory cake, marking 15 triumphant years for the Gradi Group. Johnny’s genuinely heartfelt expressions of gratitude echoed his journey—his thanks extended to supporters, suppliers, family, friends, and longstanding staff. He reminisced on the brand’s evolution, from a modest 48-seater establishment to a global phenomenon, a testament to him, his family and his staff’s resilience and determination.

The evening truly was a spectacular testament to the enduring legacy of 400 Gradi — a celebration of greatness, unity, and the sheer magic of culinary artistry. Eviva 400 Gradi and graze mille on the most incredible party!

400 Gradi
99 Lygon St, Brunswick East VIC 3057