Florentino

Florentino enters its next chapter with a deep respect for what has come before.

Florentino has long been more than a restaurant—it is a place of memory, ritual, and celebration. That storied legacy remains our foundation as we continue building on the distinctive identity and timeless elegance that generations of guests have come to know and love. The classic sophistication of Italian dining endures here: refined, assured, and unmistakably Florentino.

1918
Wine importer Samuel Wynn opens a shop at 78 Bourke Street, soon evolving into Café Denat, a French restaurant originally established on Exhibition Street in 1893.

1928
Rinaldo Massoni leases the business and renames it Café Florentino, first introducing an Italian dining style.

1934
Rinaldo Massoni acquires the adjoining property, creating an expanded restaurant crowned by the upstairs Mural Room, decorated with murals by pupils of renown artist Napier Waller.

1941
Following Massoni’s death, his son Leon and business partner George Tsindos lead Florentino through a period of growth. In the 1950s, additional dining spaces are introduced, including The Cellar and, soon after, Bistro Grill.

1979
George Tsindos runs Florentino until 1979, followed by Branco Tocigl, then Floyd and Lorraine Podgornik. Sensitive restorations and changes are conducted under their custodianship.

1999
Under the Grossi family’s 27-year-long stewardship, Florentino has reaffirmed its place in Melbourne’s culinary history.

Today
As new custodians, our aim is to protect what has made these venues so iconic, while allowing them to continue evolving.
We look forward to welcoming you to Florentino Dining Room, Café Florentino, Cellar Bar, Ombra and Arlechin.