Mr Ottorino

Popular Fitzroy hotspot Mr Ottorino hopes to usher in the discerning brunch-enthusiast crowd with their Italian-inspired breakfast menu. Described as nothing other than ‘Nonni-chic’, the cosy establishment has all the souvenir spoons, paintings and knick-knacks you would expect to see at every good Nonna’s casa. Milk Bar Mag decided to roll up our metaphoric sleeves and see what all the fuss was about. 

Staying true to its roots, Mr Ottorino brings a little bit of Southern Italy to your plate. Many of the items on the menu descend from the nostalgia of Executive Chef Matteo Tine’s upbringing. “We wanted to give people the chance to try something a little bit different – traditional Italian breakfast is something that we haven’t seen much of in Melbourne … besides, who doesn’t want to eat pasta for breakfast?’ says Tine. 

For carb-loving humans – myself included – Mr O’s signature dish, the Brekkie Carbonara, is a dream plate comprising long macaroni cut through guitar strings, confit yolk, candied pancetta, pecorino and seasoned with pepper. Pair this with their signature Spicy Bloody Mary, mixed with house-made spiced tomato sugo, celery and vodka, and your hangover will surely subside.  

The menu does lean towards the savoury side, and if that makes you happy, three items will catch your gleaning eyes. One, the Breakfast Bruschetta comprising two pieces of thick toast topped with layers of whipped ricotta, heirloom tomato, poached egg, prosciutto di parma, adorned with organic rocket, parmigiana and balsamic. Two, the Breakfast Impanata (Sicilian Calzone) filled with spinach, passata, egg, house-cured leg ham and fior di latte. Three, the Smoked Brisket English-style Muffin, a house-made English muffin sandwiching egg, ox heart tomato, house pickles, fontina and iceberg lettuce.  

Case closed. 

For those with a sweet tooth, the Hung buffalo milk yoghurt Panna cotta is served with fig and almond granola, and seasonal poached fruits. 

Don’t fret if the menu sounds too heavy – the servings are quite light. Mr Ottorino’s commitment to crafting a menu that remains true to their ethos of serving traditional Italian food is remarkable and almost refreshing. Their selections aren’t a redressing of popular brekkie items, such as eggs benedict or smashed avo, it’s a unique breakfast experience. Mr O’s makes the decision to remain bold, so respect that and arrive with an empty stomach and big appetite. 

Mr Ottorino 
122 Johnston Street, Fitzroy
Open Tuesday to Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 5pm to late, Thursday and Friday, 12pm to late, Saturday, 8am to 3pm and 5pm to late, Sunday, 8am to late
mrottorino.com