Whichever way you slice it, La Vera Cucina is the real deal. Or the real kitchen, if you’re getting literal, but note that literal likely takes a back seat to lyrical at La Vera Cucina because the food, wine, ambience and friendly but professional staff altogether create a romantic, magical dining experience. Okay, so we may be getting carried away, but you may do the same after you try Elsternwick’s most complete Italian restaurant, where the enticing menu covers an impressively broad swathe – from dainty antipasti to tiramisu and torta di mela, osso bucco to fennel and orange salad, pizza bianca to a properly prepared Bolognese spaghetti al ragu – but every item on it is authentically prepared and beautifully presented. La Vera Cucina is right on Glen Huntly Road and it attracts Italian food-lovers from all around Melbourne, so even during the week we strongly recommend booking a table well in advance to avoid a wait.