Business Details
25 Years
experience
Sophisticated Italian Dining in Kew
Centonove has been a cornerstone of Melbourne's dining scene for 24 years, offering an immersive Italian culinary experience rooted in seasonal ingredients and regional authenticity. Our executive chef, Patrick Fletcher, draws on extensive travels through Italy and over a decade at the helm to craft menus that celebrate both tradition and innovation. We maintain direct relationships with local farmers and global producers to ensure every dish showcases peak-season produce, while our in-house preparation of pasta, antipasto, and desserts preserves artisanal integrity. The restaurant's dual dining rooms and private 8-seat wine vault accommodate diverse occasions, from intimate celebrations to corporate gatherings. Our sommeliers curate an award-winning 500-label wine list featuring Australia's finest vintages and Italy's most celebrated varietals, earning Gourmet Traveller's top wine glass rating for seven consecutive years. The dedicated brigade of chefs and service staff uphold a philosophy of consistency, where technical precision meets warm hospitality in an elegant Art Deco setting.Through Jesse Davidson's 25-year hospitality expertise and Kymberly Davidson's operational stewardship, we maintain rigorous standards across daily service, private functions, and special dietary accommodations. The 40-seat private dining room and climate-controlled wine cellar exemplify our commitment to creating memorable gastronomic experiences that extend beyond the plate. From curated vegan menus requiring 48-hour notice to children's options and multi-course tasting experiences, every offering reflects our belief that exceptional food should be accessible to all. This philosophy has cemented Centonove's reputation as both a local institution and a destination for international visitors seeking authentic Italian cuisine reimagined through an Australian lens.
Services
Italian Cuisine
Private Dining
Wine Cellar
Function Hosting
Vegan Menu
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We source seasonal ingredients directly from local farmers and Italian producers
- Our chefs prepare all pasta, antipasto and desserts in-house daily
- Award-winning 500-bottle wine list with climate-controlled cellar access
- Private dining room accommodating 40 guests with dedicated function coordinator
- Executive Chef Patrick Fletcher holds prestigious Age Good Food Guide Chef's Hat
Associations and certifications
- Gourmet Traveller Wine List of the Year
What people say
Award-winning wine list
Seasonal Italian cuisine
Private dining options
Chef's Hat recipient
Art Deco setting
Services
Italian Cuisine
Our contemporary Italian menu features house-made pasta, premium meats and seasonal produce. Dishes like beef carpaccio with truffle shavings and slow-roasted lamb showcase traditional techniques with modern presentation. The menu changes daily to reflect ingredient availability, with options for gluten-free and special dietary requirements available upon request.
Private Dining
The climate-controlled wine room accommodates 8 guests amidst 2500 bottles, while the 40-seat private dining room hosts weddings and corporate events. Both spaces offer tailored menus and dedicated service, with AV equipment available for business functions and special celebrations.
Wine Cellar
Our 500-bottle collection features verticals from Australia's best shiraz vineyards and extensive Italian varietals. The climate-controlled cellar allows private tastings for up to 8 guests, with sommeliers available for wine pairing guidance. Selected bottles are also available for purchase through our online shop.
Function Hosting
We offer three-course a-la-carte menus for groups of 20-40 people, with minimum spends applying. The dedicated function coordinator manages all arrangements including AV requirements and dietary accommodations. Full venue hire options available for exclusive events.
Vegan Menu
A three-course vegan menu features dishes like king brown mushroom risotto and seasonal vegetable antipasto. Requires 24-48 hours notice to ensure proper preparation. The menu changes with produce availability while maintaining core vegan principles and culinary excellence.
People
Jesse Davidson
Owner
With 25 years in hospitality, Jesse established Centonove as Melbourne's premier Italian restaurant. His passion for authentic Italian cuisine and wine drives the restaurant's commitment to quality. He oversees operations while maintaining industry relationships that sustain the restaurant's success.
Kymberly Davidson
Co-owner
As co-owner, Kymberly manages financial operations and supplier relationships. Her organisational expertise ensures smooth back-of-house functions while supporting staff welfare. Though less visible recently, her contributions remain vital to the restaurant's ongoing success.
Patrick Fletcher
Head Chef
Award-winning chef since 2010, Patrick earned a Good Food Guide Chef's Hat at 26. His Italian culinary expertise comes from apprenticeship and Mediterranean travel experience. He leads daily kitchen operations while maintaining hands-on involvement in pasta preparation and menu development.
Questions
How do I book a private function at Centonove?
Contact our function coordinator via phone or email with your event details. Minimum spends apply for different days, with full venue hire options available for exclusive events.
Does Centonove offer dietary options?
We accommodate special dietary requirements with 48-hour notice, including a dedicated vegan menu and gluten-free options available across our standard menu.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and Amex with surcharges of 1.5%, 1.5% and 1.9% respectively. Payment surcharges apply to all card transactions.
Is there a dress code for dining?
While we don't enforce a strict dress code, our sophisticated atmosphere suggests smart casual attire for evening service and refined business wear for private functions.
Can I purchase wine from your cellar?
Selected bottles from our 500-label collection are available through our online shop. The climate-controlled wine room also offers private tastings for up to 8 guests.
What makes Centonove unique?
Our combination of seasonal Italian cuisine, award-winning wine list, historic Art Deco setting and 24 years of culinary excellence create a distinctive dining experience unmatched locally.
Reviews (6)
Christian Gorton
Dec 19, 2021
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Wow what great food. Really good. Service very friendly, prompt and of a high standard. Group of six well looked after.
Liz P.
Oct 05, 2021
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The loveliest restaurant. Super attentive staff who couldn't be more caring. Beautiful food and a great ambience. Very clean and hygienic.
Marlz
Aug 04, 2021
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Great Italian local, has become even more popular since Covid. A bit exy but great food and service, now have a wine bar across the road, brilliant concept and beautifully designed, pre dinner drinks before a lovely restaurant service anyone?
Tom
Jun 17, 2021
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A famous and awarded restaurant in Kew that always deliver good meals and good service. I've been coming here for a few years now and enjoyed it every time with friends and family.
Aron Steg
Mar 08, 2021
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Completely flawless lunch today. The service was exactly as youd expect for the quality of restaurant. The food and drink where spot on. I had both entree and mains off the specials menu. Sydney oysters and pork belly with a side of Chianti. Perfectly delivered. Thanks for a great lunch.
Mark Bryce
Oct 11, 2020
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A warm initial greeting as we came through the door. We only were able to go as there was a cancellation. And it was well worth it the photos support gr8 presentation but it tasted beautiful. The staff were informative and supportive. They were eager to know more about their patrons. Thank you
