Good food. Good serving sizes. Bad service. Was constantly bothered by wait staff, asking the same questions multiple times by multiple people, cleaning the table/removing plates, napkins and EVERYTHING that we might not have been using, whilst eating and always ‘hovering’ over us. Our booking was a 2 hour seating, from 6pm for 8 people. It was confirmed through our email reservation that we had to leave 5 minutes prior to the next session. At 7:30, the bill was bought to our table and we were told we had to start moving. At 7:40, the wait staff brought over the eftpos machine (!!!!) (we wanted to pay cash so that was silly to assume) and asked for payment. At 7:50, we were told we had to leave because people were waiting. I told them about the information provided on the email confirmation. After getting up to leave, the manager apologised because he checked what the confirmation said and we were right, we had the table until 7:55. You would think with this service the restaurant was full and there was a group waiting to sit at our warm seats. There was no one waiting for us. There were many other empty tables. Spending $50 per person, this service was definitely not worth it and the food was not enough to save the bad taste that was left.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60

The food was of a good standard but the service and atmosphere here is very poor! They jam pack the place with people and there is absolutely no space to move. Its all about turnover and maximising revenue. Its not about providing customers with a great experience. We were greeted at the start of the night and told that we had 1 hour and 40 minutes to eat and get out as they had to prepare for the second sitting. We knew that from the start but we then had waiters all over us during our stay rushing us to finish and get out as soon as possible. We had a main meal but didn't stay for coffee or desert nor did they want us to or ask. You get the picture! We went to this place for my father in law's 87th Birthday and there was nothing special about it. Its a fast food place dressed up as restaurant at restaurant prices. We are locals and won't be back again, there are much better places to go. Do yourself a favour and save your money.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$200+

Very average experience unfortunately at this restaurant. I ordered an Italian classic spaghetti meatball dish and a bruschetta entree. The entree wasn’t on toasted bread, flavourless and cheap tasting and looking. The main was the biggest let down with absolutely no flavour at all, the meatball wasn't that warm either making the dish absolutely average and definitely not worth the money. I had to advise the staff of the poor quality and decided against getting anything else because I could tell the food wasn’t of a good quality. (they removed the charge for the food which I was thankful for after giving honest feedback) Super unfortunate considering how excited we were for this restaurant. The staff also kept rushing to clear tables and interject during conversations to clear single cups and napkins, just average tbh.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 2

Great food, great new look, friendly enough staff. Very busy and loud. Nice decor and renovations to former venue. My Barramundi was slightly dry and the rice over cooked, but the flavour was great and other dishes more than made up for it... calamari was faultless as was the steak of the day. Our biggest issue was with the constant hovering by staff. It was not a relaxing experience. We were being rushed. Two staff watching over and ready to pounce before we finished chewing our food. Relentlessly refilling our glasses, taking our plates away before we finished.... chips came with the steak, but before my partner had a chance to finish them off a waitress came to take the plate away. He had to hold onto his plate and tell her to back off. But for the rushing, the food was excellent. Slow down guys....let people enjoy the food, company and service.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60

Service + atmosphere was okay. Food wise, we ordered the focaccia, pizza + carbonara. The focaccia was pretty good, but the rest really let our experience down. The toppings on the pizza all fell off as you picked it up which for my partner wasn’t an enjoyable experience. My carbonara just was overloaded with the meat + tasted quite salty. I wanted to give this place a go for a while after their rebranding (but we didn’t get around to it until more recently) and we feel like it’s gotten worse as the cost has gone up but the food quality is sub-par at best… Demazzi down the road has similar cost but for us has always been quite consistent in being awesome + delicious. Much more better value for money there than at Hugo’s.
Food: 2
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3

The food here is excellent, the pizza is top notch. We’re regulars at Carosello and really appreciate the atmosphere, and I always feel welcomed there with my family. At Hugo we came for a very early dinner, about 5:30 and they sat me and my well mannered 5 year old right at the very back table of the empty restaurant. It sent a message that we were tolerated and not really their target clientele. We were obviously not settling in for a long night, just eating dinner. The server was lovely, and the service was excellent. But given that experience I wouldn’t recommend it for a quick family dinner.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 2

We decided to try this new place and I would certainly recommend it. We had a booking on a Saturday night and were eating within 30 minutes of sitting down. The food was really good however a few dishes were slightly too oily for our liking. The service was really great aswell and staff super friendly. Only other minor inconvenience we had is that with the front door / wall open a few flys were able to come inside and hang around a bit, but I don't think it would be an issue if your in the back half of the restaurant.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

My family and friends regularly dine at Hugo, at a minimum once a month. We love the warm inviting, buzzing, and lively atmosphere. The staff is amazing and so is the food. The most important aspect for us is the food is consistently delicious. Especially the steak, pizza with Italian susuage, and fettuccine meatball. You can tell a place is going to be amazing as it's always packed and they have loads of staff on. Plus, booking is a must, especially Fridays and Saturdays nights.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Went to make a booking for dinner on Sunday, had to put our card details in for a reservation and if we cancelled within 24 hours we would be charged $200!!!! I am aware this is Father’s Day and could understand a bit more if it’s specific to this special occasion but they said they do this for Fridays and Saturdays as well. That’s terrible, and my family will never book here knowing we will get charged $200 if anything comes up 24 hours before A DINNER.. not impressed as we were so excited to try this restaurant. We will be going somewhere else

Exceptional dining experience if you like Italian. Modern setting and great atmosphere. Service is above par and with enough room around your seating, you have enough room to socialise. Menu is traditional with some choices, including surf and turf. We ate with another couple who expressed their carbonara was exceptional
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$140–160
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free parking lot

It's a great new restaurant. Same team at Carosello . It serves great Italian food. We started with garlic & sea salt foccacia...yum! The fried gnocchi pumpkin, spinach, and goat cheese in balsamic were cooked to perfection. Finished with a ricotta cannoli, which had the right amount of crunch. Although it was very busy, the service was fast, friendly & efficient. I would highly recommend it .
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Came here for my wife's birthday. We had a group of 14 and were given very good service from the get go. We had 3 different entrees for the table. And all were very good !! Mains were a wide variety pizza,barramundi,risotto etc. Everyone said their meals were great. We enjoyed a pinot noir from the Bellarine and some cocktails also. Overall a very nice meal spent with family. Cheers Hugo
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

On the way from Tullamarine Airport tonight we decided to book for dinner at Hugo ( first time here). What a lovely surprise. The pasta dishes were great. Beautifull pizzas. The service. Nothing but great. Staff very friendly . I believe the owner is Stefano. Congratulation Stefano and best wishes. We are from Sth Morang BUT WE WILL COME AGAIN. Greetings Rocco and family
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$200+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Saw this place on postcards and thought we’d give it a go. We had a reservation for 7.30pm and we made sure to be on time. Our table wasn’t ready and we were asked to wait outside. We waited 10 minutes which isn’t an ideal situation when you have limited seating time. So not off to a great start. Place is nicely renovated but when busy can be quite noisy and difficult to hear. Food was average and overpriced.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60

Occurred to me that people tend to only leave more negative reviews than positive so thought it time to sing the praises of the great stuff! Hugo is fabulous and I would even go so far as to say I enjoy it more than the sister restaurant Carosello in Moonee Ponds. Perfectly cooked food and lovely service- what more can you ask for?!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100–120
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Food was good We had to wait 15 mins despite having a booking, so they were late Place was very busy at 7:30 pm Our pizza was ok They charged my 3 year old daughter full price for kids pasta “ 32 dollars” and the rude unprofessional manager gave back my wife 5 dollars from the tips jar to compensate for the difference !!!!! A few professional lessons in dealing with customers will be a very good investment
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$100–120

Booked for 10 with an extra added last minute, staff were very accommodating and service was excellent. Loved the food, we ordered pizzas and entrees with some pasta, everyone loved their food. Drinks menu is spot on also. Book to avoid disappointment, Tuesday night was busy, but staff made it look effortless. Will be making this our go to from now on!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40

This is the place we have been waiting for!! Great people. Great service. Great food. If you haven't already, make a booking today! You will not be disappointed. All the best to the management & staff at Hugo!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$140–160
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking

The service was exceptional, we were guests at a family function. Well done to the team who looked after us and knew exactly how to handle my daughters coeliac questions. 5 star evening
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100–120
Dietary restrictions
Outstanding knowledge from the waiter that attended us to know so much about coeliac disease and suggest options for my daughter.

amazing food, really fast service and nice friendly staff members. Would go back again. Great atmosphere also
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40
Vegetarian options
Plenty of vegetarian pizzas, pastas etc for dietary and vegan needs
Kid-friendliness
Plenty of options for children all though it is probably not the best restaurant to take kids to.

We dined here after seeing it on Postcards. So disappointing. So loud you couldn't talk without shouting. You're virtually sitting next to someone else, on top of each other. Dark, poor lighting. Food was awful, bland, no flavour. A really disappointing experience.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Saw the place on postcards and looked nice.Very noisy and felt very rushed as we told we had one hour forty five minutes to be out couldn't relax as we were in time limits. The food was ok have had better arancini balls pizza had not much ingredients. If you want to chat hard to hear especially on grounded nights.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40

Food was delicious. Service was excellent. Very nice atmosphere. Highly recommend. Will definitely go back. Extra bonus, close to home
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Creme Brulee
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking

Absolutely fantastic good and service. We had a function there (10 people) and we decided to get the feed me set menu. Everything was so delicious I cannot pick my favourite dish! Also the staff were so lovely and accommodating. Can’t wait to go back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Dined in on a busy Saturday night, staff were attentive and polite, food was delicious and perfect portion size. Food came out before drinks and had to chase drinks order but staff were quick to amend this. Would recommend this place!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

This Resteraunt deserves a 20 out of 10 for Food and Service. The staff were so Polite, Friendly, Happy and Professional . The food was absolutely AMAZING! Meals were Generous, so ever Tasty and Fresh. A great dining experience. Do yourselves a favour and go.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This place was pumping on a Wednesday night, so very popular. I got the barramundi risotto and side of greens, but I almost couldn't eat both as they were so incredibly oily. The risotto and fish were literally sitting in a pool of oil, and I felt queasy afterwards. The service was prompt and efficient.
Food: 3
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

FOOD QUALITY - good/very good. FOOD RANGE - good. VALUE/PRICING - good. SETTING - modern and friendly. SERVICE - attentive. WINE LIST RANGE - pretty good. IDENTITY CRISIS? Possibly. Does the place want to be known for good/nice dining, or as a trendy place with thumping music? RETURN VISITS? - possibly.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

It takes a lot to impress me, previously being in the industry. The service from start to finish was spot on, thanks Bill. The food was top quality and extremely fresh. I had the a steak which was very high quality and cooked perfectly. Dessert was spot on. This place is a very high standard with a great fit out, well done team, we loved every moment

Such a great vibe from the moment you walk in. Sexy decor, good background music and welcoming, super friendly and attentive staff. Food is outstanding. I wish I'd been hungrier!! Cocktails are delicious and beautiful. A good place for groups, couples and families.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40

Can't go wrong with the pasta or gnocchi, definitely home made and you can taste it. The pizza and calamari was also very good. The meatballs on the other hand tasted store bought and the chips weren't great either Overall, very happy with this place
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$200+

I was there on Friday night with my friends. We had the linguine moreton bay bug and the barramundi. I must say the service was amazing and food was fantastic as well. The vibe and the atmosphere exceeded our expectations. Definitely will be back again.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

went to this place and the service was very good, the food was great we had pasta and pizza. If I had a complaint the only thing was where we were sitting, and we felt the draught coming from the front door but not a big deal..
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60

Pretty good service, atmosphere is good. The wait for food was a little long, but not a big issue. Was a little disappointed with the quantity for the Baramundi I ordered, however it is an expensive fish and but very tasty.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60

Excellent food and fantastic service. We were late but they still have our spot. Didn’t wait long for the food and drinks to come after placing our order. Staff were very friendly and attentive. Will definitely come back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$180–200

Really enjoyed Hugos, it was a flavour Bomb which i love and you dont usually get at the Italian restaurants in my opinion. Service was amazing, Sicillano pizza the bone marrow mash calmari and the tiramasu were a highlight for me! Try it out.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Friendly wait staff and very nice food. Pizza was an excellent wood fired one and the Crème Brûlée was crunchy and delicious. Highly enjoyed our night out.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great experience. Ragu was divine - fresh, quality ingredients and a decent serving size. Wine list limited, but won't stop me from returning. Thanks team Hugo for a great night.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

They’ve done a terrific job in all avenues, layout, service, food. Didn’t really like the carbonara the pasta was hard and too creamy so it was quite heavy but other than that, steak, pizza, wine was all amazing. Great job guys
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

2nd time in a month I've been here, both times extremely happy with the food, if I had any criticism it would be that the staff are too attentive!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Excellent in every regard. Great authentic Italian food, genuine and warm service, vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere. Very highly recommended. Great Italian restaurant for all the right reasons.
Service
Dine in
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Incredible pasta! Vibe was great, the service was too. We had the spaghetti & meatballs which was super authentic like my own nonna made the meatballs, pappardelle raggu also amazing and a pizza, a little too much cheese on there was overwhelming nevertheless still yummy

Best place to dine, the food was amazing, drinks were flowing and the service was hands down awesome. Will be dining there again
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Staff were very friendly, the CAVATELLI RAGU was AMAZING!!! Well priced, I will definitely be dining in again for this dish
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Magnificent tasting Italian cuisine. Fantastic service and atmosphere.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$200+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Dietary restrictions
Gluten-free options

Went with my family and left feeling like the priority was about turn over and how many sales.The food was below average and costly.There are much better Italian restaurants around who genuinely care about there customers and the food they produce.

Best pizza I’ve had anywhere in Australia and in a lot of Italy! And a fine chilli Margherita too
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

So I wasn't a huge fan of the pizza, it was just lacking that special taste, that will remind me of the restaurant. The cheese was very bland but the woodfired crust was quite good
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

Amazing staff was served by Sam and he did a amazing service food was incredible and great atmosphere
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Sensational customer experience and delicious food! Surf and turf, carbonara and garlic focaccia were fab! Missed out on Bistecca this visit but will definitely be back!
Meal type
Dinner
Recommended dishes
Creme Brulee

Food might be good but these people have no idea how to deal with their customers Very arrogant and rude manager Our family will not be going their again
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60

The best staff (shoutout to Sam and Louisa). Amazing food and just wonderful service. We will definitely be going back.
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The food was delicious! Service was great, as was the ambience. Highly recommend
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great local Italian restaurant loved the food and service and will definitely be back
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Stunning & authentic. Everything we ate was fresh. The whole experience was seamless; wonderful meeting Stefano. We will certainly be back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60

So bloody delicious! Have to go work it all off now, so full. Top notch food!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The food took an hour to arrive and was cold and the drinks were very bland
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$160–180
Food: 3
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 3

The food is of good quality. The service and friendly staff is second to none. Nice place to dine. One of my favourite restaurants.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–40

Friendly Service. Ordered Chicken Saltimbocca. Chicken was dry. However, Woodfire pizza was really delicious. Would go back again!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60

Always going here for the best seafood risotto around and fantastic service
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Lovely restaurant. Great service and delicious food. Highly recommended
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Had the 100 layer Lasagne and wasn't disappointed. Pretty classy place.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

This place is fantastic. Great food,love the ambience and set up. One of the best meals I've had.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The food was amazing. One of the best pizzas we've ever had
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Roma Pizza

Amazing food and quality service every time!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100–120
Recommended dishes
Roma Pizza, Creme Brulee, California Pizza

Really enjoyable food and very friendly, efficient service. Three of us had different meals and there were clean plates all around.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Amazing food. Veal was incredible. Highly recommend.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Nice venue in the suburbs with delicious food.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$60–80
Dietary restrictions accommodated
Not sure

Reasonably priced and delicious food. Staff were all very friendly and polite and the portion sizes were excellent.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Great services and very tasty meals. Very clean restaurant. Highly recommended.
Meal type
Dinner
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Not only is the food all amazing A little known secret is they have the best cannoli in the state
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Italian staff added to the general Italian feel of being in Italy and not at Essendon village
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Best Italian restaurant I have eaten at. Authentic pizza and pasta, just a bit pricy.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Amazing quality food, you won't be disappointed. Staff are very friendly and prompt.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Superb staff, fantastic location with outdoor dining area and the food is fresh and delicious. Even the coffee and desserts hit the spot.

OMG food was really good, especially the desserts.
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Friendly staff good good at a reasonable price , service can be a little slow at times but not enough to stop me from going there again

Delicious food and great customer service. Very friendly staff and quick service. Very caring and considerate for the elderly.. More

Exceptional service, staff go out of their way to make it a nice experience.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

First time I have been to this place and won’t be the last. Food was outstanding as was the service from the friendly staff! More

Food was ok but over priced very noisy and there to many tables you could here the conversation at nere by tables More

Sensational cavatelli ragu!!!! couldn’t recommend this authentic Italian restaurant enough, absolutely delicious! More

Fantastic and welcoming. Delicious food and eat inside or out.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Very accommodating to specific dietary requirements. Portions were generous and staff were extremely attentive More

Outstanding food, friendly and attentive wait staff, relaxing ambience.
Service…
More

Food was really nice. Service was good. Venue was a little loud but will definitely go back!

The food was lovely and the staff were very friendly and courteous.
Service…
More

Amazing steak & dessert! Awesome service too.
Service
Dine in…
More

The ragu is the best thing you'll ever taste!
Service
Dine in…
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Great place with good food and service.
Meal type
Dinner…
More