Melbourne pizza master, Johnny Di Francesco, well known for his iconic Italian restaurantt 400 Gradi has brought his award winning pizza to Crown Melbourne. Di Francesco, who recently took out first place at the 2014 Campionato Mondiale della Pizza (Pizza World Championship) in Italy, opened a sibling to his iconic Brunswick pizzeria 400 Gradi on Tuesday, October 14.
The new restaurant has made its home in the Riverwalk site previously occupied by Guissepe, Arnaldo & Sons (GAS), seat 300 plus people and feature two large pizza ovens carefully designed to Johnny’s specifications.
The new menu is based on Johnny’s much-loved offerings served at 400 Gradi on Lygon Street, with a few new introductions and exclusives to suit the Riverwalk restaurant space which includes an alfresco dining element. Now world-renowned as a pizza master, Johnny has long been regarded as one of the best in his hometown of Melbourne with his simple, traditional Italian cuisine that draws on the Neapolitan techniques of his family’s heritage.
Johnny said he felt very fortunate to be opening a second restaurant at Crown. “Having made pizza since I was 12, my passion for cooking has only intensified over time. I’m so blessed to be able to do what I love and I hope that joy infiltrates everything that I make.”
Speaking on behalf of Crown, Peter Crinis, Chief Operating Officer, Crown Hotels and Food & Beverage said, “Crown Resorts is very excited to welcome Gradi to the Riverwalk’s restaurant offering. Johnny will provide quality Italian cuisine that will appeal to a broad range of customers looking for casual dining in a brilliantly designed space”