Tucked into the heart of Fitzroy North is Maria’s Pasta. To the unassuming passerby, it might look like a humble pasta shop. But behind the doors lies a story that spans nearly a century, powered by generations of the Italiano family and a fierce dedication to doing things the right way, by hand and with care, and with only the best.
The roots of Maria’s Pasta stretch back to 1930, when Natale Italiano founded the Perfect Cheese Company, helping shape Melbourne’s early love affair with Italian food. Though that business was eventually sold, the fire never dimmed. In 1985, the family re-emerged with a new focus: fresh pasta and sauces, made the old-school way. From day one, they rolled, laminated, filled, and stirred like their nonni had before them — with no shortcuts and no compromise.
At the core of Maria’s is family. The business is still proudly owned and operated by cousins Paul, Nat, and Maria Italiano, who lead a small, skilled team in their HACCP-certified Fitzroy North factory. It's here that the pastas are made fresh five days a week, from ribbons of silky tagliatelle to plump, hand-filled ravioli. The store’s charm lies not just in the food, but in the familiarity. Many customers have been shopping here for decades, bringing the next generation along for the ride.
What truly sets Maria’s apart is the relentless focus on quality. They only the finest Australian durum wheat. The tomatoes? Straight from Italy. The beef? Sourced locally from North Carton Quality Meats. Even the vegetables are selected fresh from nearby farms. This obsession with top-tier ingredients isn’t about trend-chasing, it’s about respect. Respect for the dish, the process, and the people eating it.
Step into their shop and you’ll find more than pasta. The deli is stocked with carefully curated extras: cold-pressed olive oils, small-batch local cheeses, artisan chocolates, gourmet Mediterranean staples, and even gluten-free options. Everything on the shelf meets the same standard as the pasta, it has to be good enough to take home to family.
For Maria’s Pasta, food isn’t a product, it’s a promise. A promise to carry on a legacy, to honour tradition, and to never cut corners. In a city known for great food, they’ve earned their place by staying small, staying local, and staying true.
Do yourself and pop up there for some great pasta or grab it online, it might just be the best decision you make all day.
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