Mezzalira Ristorante

In the heart of Canberra’s CBD, within the landmark 1920s Melbourne Building on leafy London Circuit, Mezzalira Ristorante has been a defining presence in the city’s dining scene since 1996. The restaurant combines the timeless charisma of classic Italian hospitality with the energy of a modern Australian capital. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual aperitivo at the bar, joining the business lunch crowd, or settling in for an elegant evening framed by art deco architecture, Mezzalira adapts effortlessly to the occasion.

The kitchen is driven by a simple, powerful philosophy: take the best seasonal produce, much of it local, and re-interpret the classic dishes Italy is famous for. Handmade pasta, wood-fired meats and seafood, and bread baked in-house form the foundation of a menu designed to be shared and savored. An award-winning wine list anchors the experience, guiding guests through benchmark Australian labels before veering into lesser-known Italian varietals.

Mezzalira’s reputation has been built on consistency and warmth. The team draws on decades of experience to deliver polished, attentive service without pretense. It’s a restaurant where a Wednesday night dinner feels as special as a milestone celebration, and where every plate reflects a genuine respect for ingredient and tradition. From its iconic wood-fired oven dishes to the quiet hum of conversation drifting over West Row, Mezzalira remains a true Canberra institution.

Dining Options & Menus

Mezzalira offers multiple ways to experience its kitchen, from fully curated degustations to á la carte freedom. The menu changes with the seasons, but a few signatures, such as the slow-roasted suckling pig from the wood-fired oven, have become synonymous with the restaurant’s name.

• À La Carte: Choose from antipasti, handmade pasta, wood-fired mains, and contorni. Ideal for guests who like to build their own journey through the menu.
• Fixed Price Menus: A set lunch or dinner offering that balances value with the kitchen’s most accomplished dishes. Perfect for a business meeting or pre-theatre dinner.
• Signature Menu: A multi-course exploration of the chef’s current inspiration, often including premium wood-fired proteins and matched wines by the glass.
• Private Room Menu: Tailored feasting menus for bespoke events in the restaurant’s private dining space.
• Dolci: A dedicated dessert selection that changes with the fruit and mood of the season, from classic tiramisu to contemporary Italian dolci.

Wine & Beverage Program

Wine is not an afterthought at Mezzalira; it is a cornerstone of the experience. The list has earned awards for its depth and intelligence, showcasing Australia’s most respected winemakers alongside a carefully edited tour of Italy’s wine regions. Expect to find familiar touch points like Barolo, Brunello, and Chianti Classico, but also plenty of opportunity to discover indigenous grapes from Sicily, Campania, and Alto Adige.

The by-the-glass selection rotates frequently, making it easy for solo diners or couples to pair a different wine with each course. The bar also crafts classic Italian cocktails—think Negroni, Aperol Spritz, and Bellini—using premium spirits and fresh ingredients. A short but thoughtful list of amari and digestivi is the ideal way to close an evening.

Private Events & Group Dining

Mezzalira’s private dining room is a hidden gem in the city. Tucked within the Melbourne Building, it offers a secluded stage for corporate dinners, birthday celebrations, and wedding rehearsal suppers. The art deco bones of the room provide a warm, elegant atmosphere that needs little extra decoration.

Events are supported by dedicated menus that can be customised to suit dietary needs and preferred formats—from standing cocktail receptions with passed cicchetti to formal four-course seated dinners. The events team handles everything from floral arrangements to audio-visual equipment, ensuring a seamless experience behind the scenes so hosts can enjoy the party.

Location & Ambience

Situated on London Circuit at the base of the Melbourne Building, Mezzalira is surrounded by the architectural grace of early-20th-century Canberra. Large windows overlook the tree-lined street, filling the main dining room with soft natural light during lunch service. At night, the space transforms: warm pendant lighting, crisp white linen, and the glow of the wood-fired oven set an intimate, sophisticated tone.

The bar area offers a more relaxed alternative, with high-top tables and stools ideal for a quick bite and a glass of wine after work. In warmer months, the restaurant’s connection to the street creates a breezy, European-style dining atmosphere. It’s a space that works equally well for a quiet date night or a lively group celebration.

Hours, Reservations & Contact

Mezzalira welcomes guests for lunch and dinner across most of the working week. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekend tables, and can be made online through the restaurant website.

Opening Hours

• Lunch: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, Tuesday to Friday
• Dinner: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Tuesday to Saturday

The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and observes a short annual closure over the Christmas and New Year period. Contact the team by phone at (02) 6230 0025 or via email for any special requests, dietary questions, or private event inquiries. The full address is Melbourne Building, 55 London Circuit, Canberra ACT 2601.

What Guests Are Saying

Feedback from more than 400 Google reviews places Mezzalira at a strong 4.2-star rating, with many diners describing it as a destination for excellence in Italian cuisine in the capital. Recent reviews highlight the exceptional quality of the food—particularly the balance of flavors and the restraint that lets premium ingredients shine—alongside the elegant interior and attentive service. One reviewer noted that the restaurant made a milestone wedding anniversary feel truly unforgettable, with staff going above and beyond. Another praised the kitchen’s ability to deliver a memorable meal even during quiet holiday periods, emphasising the consistency that has kept Mezzalira relevant for decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Guests often ask whether dietary accommodations such as gluten-free pasta or vegan options are available; the kitchen is well-equipped to adjust dishes with advance notice. Parking is available in nearby city car parks and limited street parking, though many visitors prefer ride-share or public transport given the central CBD location. The restaurant welcomes children and can provide high chairs, though the evening ambience tends toward an adult crowd. Gift vouchers can be purchased online, making a dinner at Mezzalira a popular present for food-loving friends and family.