NORTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE
IN THE HEART OF GEELONG
Caruggi is the medieval centre of Genoa, translating as little alleyway in Genovese dialect, it is the labyrinth that meanders from the old port arcades of Sottoripe through ancient Genoa connecting small squares and opening up to reveal Cathedrals. The Caruggi have always housed small artisanal shops and many still serve typical dishes and foods as they have done for 100’s of years.
Caruggi seves classic Northern Italian with Ligurian specialities. In the true spirit of the Caruggi we have lots of little pockets and alcoves for you to discover and settle into.
Bookings
Our wine collection is a journey through the Italian regions and focuses on Italian indigenous grape varieties. We have a wide selection with some iconic makers, emerging stars and hidden gems.
All wine is available to take home at retail prices.
ShopMassimiliano the Chef and owner originates from the town of Recco which is famous for Focaccia di Recco. Focaccia col formaggio has become one of our most popular dishes and has a history that dates back to the tenth century.
Todays version is said to have been created by Reccos Ristorante Manulina in the late 1800s. The ristorante keeps the tradition going today and the town has formed a consortium to protect the product that carries a DOP. To serve Foccacia di Recco you must have approval from the consortium and use a specific recipe. Surrounding towns such as Camogli call it Focacccia col formaggio.
Massi did his early apprenticeship years at the Ristorante Manulina and you may spot their Ristorante del Buon Ricordo plate on one of our shelves.
Come and enjoy without the trip to Italy.
Caruggi is celebrating Discovering the Impressionists- Paul Durand- Ruel coming to town. We are marking this landmark exhibition arrival with a curated selection of French-inspired cocktails, mocktails and aperitifs.
Nestled a two-minute walk from the Geelong Gallery in the heart of the Little Malop Street cultural precinct, our cozy Northern Italian trattoria is the perfect place to enjoy a pre or post exhibition lunch. Continue your artistic journey indulging in cocktails inspired by the revolutionary use of light, colour, and atmosphere from masters like Monet and Renoir, our bartenders have blended classic French elegance with our signature Italian flair.
Spend an afternoon immersed in French Impressionism and classic indulgence.
Begin your afternoon at Geelong gallery exploring the charm of the French countryside through a captivating exhibition, discovering the artists and ideas behind the Impressionist movement.
Then join us at Caruggi traditional French goûter awaits, featuring refined savoury and sweet delights served in true continental style.
August 2nd
September 13th
Bookings via Geelong Galleries Website
Each Month we celebrate an Italian grape or region
August is the month of The “Weeping” Grape
Velenosi Lacrima di Morro d’Alba
Lacrima di Morro d’Alba is a rare, highly aromatic red wine native to the rolling hills of Ancona within Italy’s Marche region. The wine is celebrated for its distinct profile, offering intense aromas of fresh roses, violets, sour cherries, and wild strawberries, balanced by a deep, soft texture, savoury undertones, light spice, and a long finish.
Its name, which translates to “tears,” stems from the grape’s exceptionally thin skin that ruptures easily as it ripens, causing juice to weep down the vine.
This fragility nearly caused the variety’s extinction due to its high vulnerability to disease, leaving a mere seven hectares under vine by 1985. Fortunately, dedicated conservation efforts revived the grape, expanding its cultivation to 258 hectares today, with the best expressions thriving in local red and clay-rich soils.
For those looking to experience a benchmark version of this unique variety, the esteemed producer Velenosi crafts a bright, celebrated example that perfectly showcases the grape’s signature floral and wild berry characteristics.
We are offering a pickup at both lunch and dinner. Our daily slow roast is also available for takeaway.
Jump onto our website to order or use Door dash for delivery.
Pick Up Takeaway
The Maximillast Room — Your Perfect Little Gathering Space
Tucked away inside Caruggi, the Maximillast Room is made for intimate celebrations and easy, joyful get‑togethers. Groups of 12 to 18 fit beautifully — just enough people for energy, not so many that you lose the magic.
It’s a space with personality: slightly zany, very Italian, and wonderfully relaxed. Perfect for out‑of‑office lunches that feel like a treat, Sunday family gatherings, milestone moments, or simply catching up with your favourite people.
Choose from our à la carte menu or let us design a tailored menu to suit your occasion. Whatever you’re planning, we’ll make it feel abundant, effortless, and unmistakably Caruggi.
The Room is not available for larger groups on a Friday and Saturday evening.
Please email- info@caruggi.com.au or alternatively phone 03 52296426 and leave a message- we are not very good at answering the phone.
