La Dolce Vita at Zucca Rossa

The Old Prahran Post Office is back in action. Gone are the red letter boxes and manila envelopes. Instead there’s hundreds of wine glasses lined up at the bar and a bright red Italian deli slicer in the back.

Zucca Rossa is the new project by the godfather of Melbourne Italian food (the one not from the Rossi family). Mario Di Nardo is back and he’s brought his SucsaMi chef Jonathan Alston with him.

The walk down Greville Street from Chapel is lonely but the sandstone Post Office is a beacon of light. Be greeted by the Laurent Perrier Champagne plaque at the front door. The restaurant’s champagne of choice is always on ice.

Inside, it’s sleek and chic. Think New York Meatpacking District bar meets Melbourne heritage building meets rock star chic. Studded leather chairs sit at tables set with bling – gold La Tevola cutlery is a little too much but we love it.

Zucca Rossa isn’t afraid of being big and bold. They’re living la dolce vita and want you to enjoy the good life too.

Giant bottles of olive oil are on hand, perhaps in case Sophia Loren comes in.

There’s pasta dishes designed to be shared by four but don’t go past a tender, twice roasted duck perched on aged balsamic and quince. You really wanted to try the baked, truffled Milawa Chicken but according to the staff, it literally flew out the door the night before.

Handmade gnocchi in a tomato sugo sauce is light and fluffy, a simple yet successful meal. You’ll practically feel healthy tucking into the beetroot, butternut and Meredith goats curd salad, which counteracts chunky fried chats.

The postman will always ring twice here, because there’s always room for dessert. Fried chocolate ravioli anyone?