Zara and Michael Madrusan (The Everleigh, Bar Margaux, Heartbreaker) weren’t the first Melburnians to open a disco pizzeria, but they might’ve been the first to perfect the concept. Connie’s, one floor up from rowdy cocktail bar Heartbreaker, is powered by a vintage jukebox pumping out disco and motown hits.

 

At tables draped in red-and-white chequered tablecloths straight out of The Sopranos, guests share supersized pastas and deep-dish “grandma pies”, a style of pizza that’s all too rare in Melbourne. And, this being a Madrusan venture, there are excellent cocktails. In glasses yes, but also in fun, sloshing pitchers. Where was the last place you saw a jug of French 75 or Americano?

 

Our top picks from the menu are the bone-in rib veal Milanese for two; fall-apart braised beef ragu tossed through silky pappardelle; and the “tirami-sundae” – a tiramisu-soft-serve hybrid – to finish.

 

Every day of the week, Connie’s is giving us access to tables that have previously been unbookable by the public, and for the first time have been made available through Broadsheet Access.

 

Get a table for two or four at 6pm or 8:15pm.

 

You can book 30 days in advance of your desired booking date (with a minimum of two days prior).

 

Love Connie’s Italian Diner? Check out our other tables at The Everleigh and Bar Margaux, the other venues from Made in the Shade Group.