Figo Cantina

From humble beginnings as a takeaway pizza shop in 2016, Figo on Brighton Road in Elwood has since gained a cosy cantina next door. While still serving the same great authentic pizza and gelato, the Figo Cantina menu also features a selection aperitivo, antipasti, salumi, cheese, salads and desserts on a menu curated from different regions across Italy by owners Andrea and Valerio.

Co-owner Andrea balances running the restaurant with studying a PhD in Cultural Studies and will happily share stories of his home town in northern Italy and his father’s love of wine that has influenced his selection of great Italian wines, as well as cocktails, beers and Italian soft drinks.

Figo means ‘cool’ in Italian and the casual, deli-style cantina spells this out perfectly, complemented by the friendly staff and authentic menu. Figo has daily specials and classic dishes such as beef carpaccio with truffled mushrooms, polenta chips and eggplant parmigiana.

The pizza menu is extensive, including simple classics and modern options such as the Igor Protti with mozzarella, eggplant, sausage, gorgonzola, crunchy kale and chilli, or the Zucchini e gamberi with zucchini, white wine sautéed prawns, cherry tomato and salsa verde.

Setting Figo apart from the many pizza places in Melbourne is their selection of Italian street food items, ranging from aranchino to calamari, calzone and my personal favourite, the panino fritto – deep-fried pizza dough cut into a sandwich and filled with tomato, chips, mozzarella, aioli. (Add prosciutto if you’re feeling extra.)

If you have a sweet tooth, Figo also stocks a selection of artisan gelato, and the dessert menu includes Sicilian cannoli, Nutella and mascarpone calzone and a sweet pizza with ricotta, strawberries and chocolate.

If you are feeling inspired at the end of your visit, take home some squid ink pasta or sauces from their selection of Italian products for sale.

Wednesday are the pick of the week for a visit with all street food menu items at just $6 each. You can also get a Margherita pizza for $12 on a Monday.

Whether you are after an after-work aperitivo, a big Italian feast or an artisan gelato on a Sunday afternoon, Figo has you covered.

Figo Cantina
73 Brighton Road, Elwood
Open 7 days, Monday to Thursday, 4.30pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday, 4.30pm to late, Sunday, 4.30pm to 10pm
figo.com.au