Macaroni & the City: Uncover Melbourne’s pasta history
Food & Drink

Macaroni & the City: Uncover Melbourne’s pasta history

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Macaroni & the City: Uncover Melbourne’s pasta history

Friday 4 September 2026 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Separation Memorial Melbourne
Discover Melbourne’s pasta history on a walking tour with Australia’s leading Italian food historian and finish with an epic pasta dinner.

If you think pasta came to Melbourne in the 1950s with post-World War II Italian migrants, it’s time to think again!

Gain a new perspective on one of the city’s favourite dishes with Australia’s pre-eminent Italian food historian Dr Tania Cammarano. On this walking tour you will:

  • Get up close and personal with pasta recipes in some of Australia’s oldest cookbooks at a secret rare books room
  • Hear the stories and meet the cast of characters who have helped make pasta one of our most popular ingredients
  • Learn about the earliest pasta makers
  • Enjoy a glass of wine at one of the city’s famous Italian bars
  • Finish with a special pasta-forward dinner at Il Solito Posto, including five different pasta dishes, antipasto, sides and glass of wine or beer

All the details:

Time: 6pm – 8.30pm (dinner is 8.30pm to 10.30pm)
Walk length: Approximately 2.7 kilometres
Terrain: Generally flat, with some small inclines
Meeting place: Flagstaff Gardens, at the Separation Memorial
Cost: $160 which includes:

  • A glass of wine/beer half-way through the walk at one of Melbourne’s Italian bars
  • A sweet treat from Australia’s first Italian cookbook
  • Dinner (antipasto, a selection of five pasta dishes, side salad, bread and a glass of house red/white/beer)

    Numbers are capped at 12 participants.
    We are happy to accommodate any dietary requirements. Please let us know when booking.

Melbourne Insider's Take
This event is a rare opportunity to dive deep into Melbourne's rich culinary heritage, showcasing how pasta has woven itself into our cultural fabric long before the 1950s. The Separation Memorial, set against the backdrop of the city, offers a unique vibe, making it perfect for an evening of exploration and indulgence.
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Where to eat Try the authentic gelato at Gelato Messina, just 10 minutes' walk away.
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Getting there Catch tram 58 to the Parliament stop, a short stroll to the venue.
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Good to know Arrive early to explore the memorial and enjoy the atmosphere.

Getting There

Separation Memorial, La Trobe Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3003

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📅Calendar
$171 Fri 4 Sep
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