Reviews

"The service was so exceptionally fast and accomidating. The food was world class. Can't recommend this place enough! Beautiful authentic Italian food"

"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 !"

"Had a 70th birthday party there a week ago Only went there because our usual restaurant hadn't reopened for the year. Glad I did. Excellent food service and atmosphere. Will definitely be going back"

"The best staff (shoutout to Sam and Louisa). Amazing food and just wonderful service. We will definitely be going back."

"Absolutely outstanding, the lasanga was unequivocally the best I've had in a very long time. The Maître d' was very personable and more than happy to accommodate our children's needs and my sons egg allergy. The food was a undoubtedly above par with a distinctive authentic flavour. What a refreshing change, to find a modern Italian that can find deliver the perfect balance of quality, creativity and flavour, Hugo gets 5 stars from me on this occasion."

"Exceptional service, staff go out of their way to make it a nice experience."

"Loved it yummy food"

"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."

"Would happily recommend giving them a go. Everything was spot on. It was a great experience, especially the Calamari, lamb cutlets, eye fillet steak, tiramisu, and creme brulee."

"Outstanding food & service. Thank you very much."

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

"Staff very friendly. Food was outstanding in every way, presentation and taste. Atmosphere was nice, space between tables. Clean and tidy. Would definitely recommend Hugo in Essendon."

"The food was delicious! Service was great, as was the ambience. Highly recommend"

"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."

"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!"

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

"Incredible food and service"

"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!"

"I was so very disappointed to learn of the closure of il Parco one of my favourite places to eat. So when I was told a new Italian Restaurant, took its place I was apprehensive to say the least… Let me be unequivocal in saying that apprehension was not required, and this is a refreshing and welcome addition to this local areas. Dining scene, a fantastic successor which offers a delicious and varied menu with a number of signature dishes. The pizza is outstanding, pasta is home-made and incredibly tasty. I do not hesitate for a moment to recommend this place to any, and all who wish to try it."

"Love the food, ambience, dessert and service. We had a company function here earlier this month."

"Beautiful atmosphere, very friendly staff, lovely food!❤"

"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!"

"Love it"

"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."

"Excellent service and excellent good"

"Stunning & authentic. Everything we ate was fresh. The whole experience was seamless; wonderful meeting Stefano. We will certainly be back."

"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"

"Pizza here was really good!"

"Reasonably priced and delicious food. Staff were all very friendly and polite and the portion sizes were excellent."

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

"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 sausage, 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."

"The Marnello pizza was divine! The honey made for an exotic twist on a delicious traditional wood-fired pizza, add chilli flakes and voila to pizza perfection!! And the fettuccine carbonara which was honestly the best pasta I have tasted in an incredibly long time! Hand-cut and creamy with crisp pancetta - it was as good as flying to Rome... but instead of looking out onto the Colosseum, we were looking out onto Mt Alexander Rd. Same same but different right?!"

"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!"

"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!"

"Great food great service"

"Great restaurant in a great location. Really nice vibes inside in a great atmosphere. The lamb cutlets with mash potato and carrots and service was amazing. Will definitly be back"

"Amazing staff was served by Sam and he did a amazing service food was incredible and great atmosphere"

"Best pizza and zeppole for a midweek takeout dinner"

"Superb dinning experience."

"Lovely restaurant. Great service and delicious food. Highly recommended"

"My friend and I were both very hungry and heard that Hugo's had this chef's special 100 layer lasagna. We were greeted by their friendly waiter who was quick to take our order. The entree and drinks were delivered fast as lightning, and with expert timing. Soon afterwards our two servings of the mega 100 layer lasagna were brought out. I was so excited that I took two bites before taking a photo. If the chef sees this photo he will be like ""look how they massacred my boy""...as it was easily the best presented lasagna I have ever had and also one of the most delicious. My hat goes off to the chef's skills and talent. Thank you for a wonderful meal with fantastic 5 star service. We certainly plan to come back again."

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

"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!"

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

"My partner and I have always had an exceptional experience here at Hugo Dining. Hugo has truly become our favourite dining spot, thanks to the consistently fresh and delicious food, as well as the outstanding team. Your dedication to providing top-notch service and creating a wonderful atmosphere has not gone unnoticed by us. Without your hard work, Hugo wouldn't be as great as it is. We are always impressed by the amazing food, service, and atmosphere."

"Great place with good food and service."

"Not only is the food all amazing A little known secret is they have the best cannoli in the state"

"Highly rated!"

"Christmas work dinner, Morten Bay pasta absolutely delicious"

"This place is fantastic. Great food,love the ambience and set up. One of the best meals I've had."