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Italian Restaurant in Essendon

Pizza, pasta & tiramisu

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We've captured the best dishes of our Italian heritage and infused them with an easygoing Australian style. Where Hugo, I go.

  • Looking inside a wood-fired pizza oven. The flame is yellow and roaring.
  • A woman in a green shirt smiles as she clinks her glass with her date.
  • A waiter serves two people at a restaurant table. They are sitting below a red neon sign that reads 'Hugo.'
  • A waiter opens a bottle of wine for customers sitting around a restaurant table.
  • A waitress grates some parmesan cheese over some pasta for a customer.

Woodfired pizza & handcut pasta

The Menu

Hugo has everything you need for an Italian affair.

Our wood-fired pizza is cooked to perfection and our pasta is lovingly handmade.

Our drinks menu features delicious cocktails, imported wine, beer and ice-cold limoncello.

Hugo is a lively character, and great for family get-togethers, date nights and events.

Come meet Hugo.

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Settle in for date night

Settle in for date night

Settle in for date night

What's on at Hugo

What's On

Christmas Functions

Celebrate with Hugo

1116-1118 Mount Alexander Road, Essendon

A waiter opens a bottle of wine for customers sitting around a restaurant table.

Give the Gift

Give the gift of Hugo Dining

1116-1118 Mount Alexander Road, Essendon

A waitress grates some parmesan cheese over some pasta for a customer.

Pizza Takeaway Deal

Enjoy any 3 pizzas for just $49

1116-1118 Mount Alexander Road, Essendon

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A waiter opens a bottle of wine for customers sitting around a restaurant table.
An empty Italian restaurant with a red neon sign above the tables and chairs
A close-up of a Margherita pizza. There is a red tomato base,
People sit around a restaurant table clinking their wine glasses.

start the party with hugo

Function & Events

Host your next event at Hugo and wow your guests with our signature dishes, delectable drinks and true Italian service. From birthdays, engagements, corporate events and everything in between. 

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Your questions answered

Faqs

    Do you accept walk-ins?

    Yes, we accept walk-ins. However we do strongly recommend making a reservation, especially for Friday and Saturday nights.

    Do you offer gluten-free options?

    We certainly do! We have both gluten-free pasta and pizza based. Just be sure to ask our friendly staff when you order.

    Do you offer vegetarian & vegan options?

    We sure do! We have a vegan cheese that can be substituted onto our pizzas, just make sure to ask our friendly staff. We also have vegetarian options for both pizza and pasta.

    Can I bring my own birthday cake?

    Yes, we offer ‘cakeage’ for that special day. It is $15 per cake.

    Are you BYO?

    No, we are not a BYO establishment. We have an extensive drinks list, including imported wines and beer.

    Is there parking?

    There are plenty of free car parks near Hugo; there is a parking bay area at the front and street parking nearby,

Reviews

"OMG food was really good, especially the desserts."

Dom DiMaggio

"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."

Salvatore Di Pietro

"Always going here for the best seafood risotto around and fantastic service"

Jon ameo

"Beyond expectations. What a place. Absolutely loved the service and the food. Will be back for sure. Food Was full of flavour… super authentic."

Rank Beeto

"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!"

Sam Bilardi

"I can’t fault Hugo the steak and pizza were flawless and we will definitely be back If you haven’t been I would definitely recommend it"

Michelle Milici

"Best pizza I’ve had anywhere in Australia and in a lot of Italy! And a fine chilli Margherita too"

Debra Tegoni

"Dined there tonight and the food was beautiful, with the steak cooked to perfection! Thank you to Jess who was our very attentive and friendly waitress. Look forward to going back soon."

Joe Riotto

"Great place and very friendly food is great and it has a great atmosphere I will be back"

Jack Van ryn

"Hugo is definitely the best Italian restaurant in Essendon, great atmosphere created by the friendly and skilled staff, delicious pizzas paired with a refreshing cocktail has made our night special. Oh I was forgetting the tiramisu…mamma mia!"

Giuseppe Farina

"A very well needed restaurant in the Essendon area. Perfect for a family meal with a well rounded menu of Italian dishes , pizza is fantastic and good cocktail list - loved the Chilli Margarita Service was 5 stars , we were so well looked after by the young wait staff and ambience was fantastic. Definitely will return !"

Mrs Rohde

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