Calabrian And Sicilian Flavours Star At Brighton Latest Hotspot For Southern Italian Cuisine
Opening on Martin Street, Brighton – Malèna Cucina & Bar embodies the essence of Italian cuisine and hospitality. The latest venue by Peter Aloi (Aromi, Café Duomo), Francesca Sanzo and Leonardo Alfieri, owners of local favourite Cucina & Co., Malèna offers a genuine Italian dining experience that celebrates the vibrant flavours of Southern Italian cuisine, with a particular focus on Calabria and Sicily.
Located at 151 Martin Street, the neighbourhood gem offers alfresco seating, bar dining, and marble round tables, seating 55 guests. Malèna’s name pays homage to the famous Italian film and titular character, played by renowned Italian actress Monica Belucci.
The Malèna kitchen is run by former Cucina & Co. Head Chef, Michelin-trained Domenico Fazzari. His menu runs across Southern Italian classics, including;
- Arancini served with bolognese ragù, peas and scamorza cheese
- Cavatelli with pork sausage ragù, spicy nduja, stracciatella and toasted bread crumbs
- Oven-baked eggplant parmigiana with Napoli sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese and basil
- Black squid ink spaghetti with crab, cherry tomato confit, lime, and chilli
- Eye fillet with crispy polenta and toasted pine nuts
Desserts shine with the speciality ‘Cremoso al Fieno’, a dish inspired by Fazzari’s time working at Agriturismo La Fiorida – an organic farm in Valtellina in the Italian Alps. Reminiscent of a panna cotta, the dish is infused with toasted hay for a subtle, earthy flavour that beautifully complements its creamy texture. Fazzari shares,
“Growing up in Calabria, food was at the heart of every family gathering, and my goal at Malèna Cucina & Bar is to share my connection to my home with the Brighton community. My journey from Calabria to Northern Italy has shaped my approach to cooking. Each dish reflects my heritage, celebrating the fresh, local ingredients that have defined Southern Italian cuisine for centuries.”
Providing the perfect pairing to the food menu, Malèna’s extensive wine list predominantly features Italian varietals from Sicily, Puglia, and Northern Italy, alongside a handful of Australian drops. Guests can also enjoy a selection of classic cocktails including Aperol and Limoncello Spritz, Negroni and Espresso Martini.
Dedicated to bringing Italian cuisine to the local community, owner Peter Aloi spent years searching for the perfect site. He explains,
“This little pocket of Brighton has a village-like feel, and the sense of community here mirrors the close connections we had in Sicily during childhood. That’s what we love about it.
At Malèna, we want to offer a great selection of wine. I love wine, and Italian wine in particular, it was very important to me that we offered great drops at affordable prices.”
Adding to the ambience, Malèna’s interior is intimate and moody, with a sleek bar running along one side and plush banquette seating adjacent. Rich timber-panelled walls, lowlighting and luxe velvet green curtain dividers create a sense of warmth and elegant seclusion. High-top window seating offers a relaxed spot to enjoy views of busting Martin Street, making it ideal for casual dining. A private dining room at the rear can host up to 16 guests for special occasions.
Aloi shares, “We’re not here to reinvent the wheel, we’re here to do things well — honest Italian food with a commitment to quality, tradition and freshness. Whether it’s a glass of Italian wine at the bar with a snack, or a full meal with friends and family, we want Malèna Cucina & Bar to be a place that feels like home.”
Malèna Cucina & Bar is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Address: 151 Martin St, Brighton, VIC 3186
Website: www.malena.au
Bookings: Open Table
Instagram: @Malèna_cucinabar
Image credit: Kate Pascoe