Melbourne in summer is already electric, but Flour Child has cranked the energy up to eleven. Their new collaboration, Amaretto Summer, is a stunning celebration, marking Disaronno’s 500th anniversary by fusing half a millennium of Italian heritage with the venue’s signature modern, breezy cool.
Stepping into their vibrant venue overlooking the iconic Luna Park was like walking into a visual love letter to Italian indulgence.
The dining table had been splashed with cherry red, fresh tomatoes and chilli, and lush flowers, setting a sophisticated, playful scene that feels like the Amalfi Coast landed squarely in Melbourne. It’s truly a perfect backdrop for la dolce vita.
The excitement, though, is all on the bespoke menu. Flour Child, famous for its light-as-air pinsa romana pizzas, has teamed up with Disaronno’s master mixologists and Head Chef Elliot Dew to create a limited-edition offering that is both traditional and delightfully experimental.
The cocktails, of course, are where it all begins. They’ve concocted a “secret Amaretto” menu featuring half a dozen twists on the cult classic.
While the traditional Amaretto Sour was crisp and perfectly balanced, the new cocktails featuring the delicious almond liquor, were the true revelation, proving this iconic spirit is far more versatile than its reputation suggests.
Our favourite drinks of the night were the Amore Rosso with black cherry, vanilla and Disaronno and the clarified amaretto sour which took three days for their team to mix up, and was poured into a huge cocktail glass pyramid.
But the food, oh, the food. Chef Dew’s genius lies in weaving Disaronno’s signature almond and cherry profile into fresh, contemporary Italian dishes.
The Disaronno-glazed peach and prosciutto pinsa pizza was the undisputed star. The crispy, airy pinsa base provided a perfect foundation for the salty prosciutto, while the warm, subtly sweet Disaronno-glazed peach created a sensational sweet-and-savoury balance.
It’s an elevated, unexpected summer bite. Equally gorgeous was the Disaronno-glazed peach burrata. Also a big shout out to the limoncello ricotta served on crusty bread – I’ll be coming back just for this!
And to finish? The Disaronno and cherry gelato panino fritto, a warm, deep-fried gelato sandwich that’s the definition of indulgent comfort. Every dish felt designed to showcase that unmistakable Amaretto character without overpowering the beautiful fresh ingredients.
Flour Child has always been about fresh, expressive, and slightly unexpected Italian energy, and by partnering with a brand of Disaronno’s stature, they’ve elevated what summer dining could be. It’s vibrant, it’s indulgent, and it’s perfectly designed to be shared.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a lively gathering, the Amaretto Summer collaboration is a stylish slice of Italian sunshine right here in Melbourne. Don’t miss it.
– Tom
