Anyone that considers themselves a true foodie is sure to be familiar with Dalmatino, a Melbourne institution known for serving up Croatian fare, located down Port Melbourne’s bustling Bay Street.

But as the old adage goes, change is as good as a holiday, and after 15 years, that’s what the new co-owners and best friends, Caterina Renda and Elizabeth Williamson are bringing.

With Caterina hailing from Calabria, Southern Italy and Elizabeth of Maltese heritage, they are set on celebrating the flavours of the Mediterranean from Spain to Greece.

“We want to keep the integrity of the restaurant, because it’s an iconic place,” Elizabeth told Neos Kosmos, “but at the end of the day, we’re not Croatian, and we certainly won’t even try to mimic what the prior chef did. And so we’re making our own.” And with Elizabeth’s front of house prowess and Caterina’s heritage, raised with a love of food, coupled with her 17 years of industry experience as a chef, they’re certainly in a prime position to do so.

“I started cooking at five years old, and I haven’t stopped,” says Caterina.

“My heart and soul is in this place. So everything has to be done properly. I don’t like anything out of a jar; I can’t do it! I make everything from scratch.” And when she says everything, she means exactly that.

From the bread rolls, made fresh every morning, to the squid ink pasta, spaghetti, fettuccine, and gnocchi.

Meanwhile their love of true hospitality, means that those with special dietary requirements can rest assured that with notice, they will be catered to.

Caterina and Elizabeth have a unique partnership.

The pair met seven years ago, when the chef walked into a venue with her soon-to-be husband in search of a wedding venue. Instead she walked out with a job offer, and new best friend.

“We just gelled and clicked,” Elizabeth recalls.

Once Caterina fell pregnant to her son Ethan, the new phase in her life spurred her on to propose the idea to Elizabeth of opening their own joint venture.

“At the end of the day we thought ‘let’s do it. Why not? I’ve got front, she can cook up a storm. Let’s try’,” said Elizabeth.

Nine months into their search the friends happened upon Dalmatino.

Just eight weeks into their venture, they both admit it still “feels surreal”.

“We didn’t believe anything until we had the keys in our hands, and then when we got the keys in our hands we were like ‘what have we done?!'” Elizabeth laughs.

“But the truth is, I’m happy when I come in, in the morning and I’m happy when I leave. The old girl is looking after us.”

This month on Wednesday 21 November, they are hosting a launch to introduce their new additions to the wine list from Australia, New Zealand, and further afield in Italy, accompanying a delicious tasting menu featuring Dalmatino’s signature Port Lincoln Calamari, slow cooked braised beef cheeks, and dumplings filled with sour cherry and served with white chocolate parfait, amongst other tasty surprises.

They also have plenty on the cards yet to come, one of which gives diners a real chance to relish Port Melbourne’s beauty with a picnic experience fully taken care of by Dalmatino – just order the picnic basket, complete with nibbles, wine, plates, cutlery and cups.

It’s this genuine love of being hospitable that shines through when you walk through the doors, an experience akin to returning home, albeit to more stylish surroundings – high ceilings with an old world European meets new school Melbourne fit out.

“It’s not about dollars and cents at the end of the day; we’re trying to create a community here,” says Elizabeth – a sentiment wholeheartedly shared by Caterina.

“There’s nothing like seeing people enjoying their food; sopping it up, the sauce with the bread.

“I’m happy to get them rolling out,” she smiles.

Dalmatino is located at 280 Bay St, Port Melbourne, VIC. Open Tues-Sun: 12.00 noon-9.30 pm. To make a booking call (03) 9645 6584 or visit dalmatino.com.au/

* Dalmatino is available for functions including engagements, weddings, christenings, birthdays, and work gatherings. 

* Open Christmas Day from 11.00 am-3.00 pm. Bookings are essential ($150 p.p. includes banquet and house drinks).