Italian restaurant Osteria Ilaria and head chef Andreas Papadakis are taking Australia’s culinary scene by storm.

Having just been named Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year at this year’s Time Out Food Awards, the eatery has been named a finalist for New Restaurant of the Year in this year’s Good Food Guide Awards.

Osteria Ilaria follows on from the success of its sister restaurant and pasta bar, Tipo 00, which is conveniently located just down the street.

The interior features exposed white brick, marble and timber fitted out with a central open kitchen, resulting in a sleek venue with a welcoming feel.

With an an emphasis on good food and wine, the menu by Papadakis is designed to perfectly pair with the purposefully selected drinks on offer.

As a finalist Osteria Ilaria is in great company. Among the most exciting restaurants to open in the past 12 months are Tasmania’s The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery & Store, Fred’s and Saint Peter in Sydney’s Paddington, and Western Australia’s Lulu La Delizia.

The awards will be announced on Monday 16 October at the inaugural national Good Food Guide Awards being presented by Citi and Vittoria, and the guide will be available in bookshops and newsagents next month.

Osteria Ilaria is located at 367 Little Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC. Visit osteriailaria.com/