La Porchetta Lilydale is a much-loved location for the best Italian dishes in the Yarra Valley. Known as an italian restaurant in lilydale, it has a long-standing history of Italian connections since 1985 and years of providing genuine Italian flavours to the Yarra Valley community, making it a favourite for locals and visitors alike. It is also recognised by many as the Best Family Restaurant in Lilydale, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and menu that caters to all ages. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted pizzas, comforting pasta, hearty mains, creamy risotto or classic Italian dishes, there is a dish for every taste. Here is a guide to the dishes to try when having a meal in a restaurant or ordering at home.
Start The Table Right – Cheesy Garlic Bread
A meal at La Porchetta Lilydale is unlikely to start without the Cheesy Garlic Bread, a hearty, comforting plate of bread to share that’s a great way to get a group assembled. It’s a favourite for families, children and groups waiting for main courses and on top of freshly baked garlic bread, topped with melted cheese. It is even an inclusive starter for guests with mixed eating preferences: If you prefer a vegan option, you can have it served with vegan cheese as well.
Signature Pizza Picks
Calabrese Pizza
If you are fond of strong Italian flavours, then the Calabrese Pizza is the one you will want. Made with tomatoes, mozzarella, salami and provolone, topped with olives, roasted capsicum and oregano, making every bite a rich bouquet of delicious savoury meats and Mediterranean flavours. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy cured meats and classic Italian pizzas.
Prosciutto Pizza
The Prosciutto Pizza features tomato and mozzarella, thin slices of prosciutto, fresh rocket, shaved parmesan and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a lighter, but flavour-packed pizza. The crispy pizza base makes a refreshing contrast with the fresh toppings, making this a favourite for a more authentic Italian pizza.
Original Porchetta Pizza
The Original Porchetta Pizza reflects the heritage behind La Porchetta Lilydale. Mixing tomato, mozzarella, Italian pork sausage, basil and olive oil, this signature pizza showcases simple and authentic flavours from traditional Italian cuisine. It’s definitely worth a try for the first-timers and those who wish to savor one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.
More local favorites worth ordering
Arancini
Every bite of the homemade Arancini is a classic Italian comfort food. These crispy crumbed rice balls are with delicious bolognese sauce, bringing the taste of a real Nonna-style comfort food. These can be a great appetiser before the main course.
Nonna’s Meatballs
A hearty pasta dish with a rich Napoli sauce and slow-cooked, made-from-scratch meatballs, Nonna’s Meatballs make for a cozy bite to eat. The tender meatballs are a perfect complement to the sauce and form a satisfying Italian classic. Cheesy Garlic Bread is this warm favourite of many diners who like to enjoy it as an appetizer before shifting onto this comforting favourite.
Chicken Parmigiana
A popular crowd favourite chicken dish made with a golden chicken schnitzel topped with Napoli sauce and melted mozzarella. Appetizing, satisfying and a favourite with locals for a hearty main, it is one of the most searched Italian comfort foods in the Lilydale area.
Margherita Pizza
Simply put, sometimes simplicity is all that’s needed. The Margherita Pizza is tomato, mozzarella and oregano: a perfect balance of classic Italian flavours without all the frills. There is also vegan mozzarella, so that more people can enjoy this classic favourite without compromising their dietary requirements.
Famous Italian classics you’ll find on the menu
Carbonara
Carbonara pasta is rich, creamy, comforting and made using cream, bacon, egg and parmesan to come up with one of Italy’s most popular pasta dishes. An all-time favorite when you crave real Italian-style pasta made with minimal ingredients and tons of flavor.
Minestrone
Traditional Italian vegetable soup using gluten-free ingredients, great for a vegan meal. It’s light, it’s satisfying and great for cooler days, or anyone looking for a healthy starter with traditional Italian flavor.
Risotto ( Pollo e Funghi )
Tender chicken and mushrooms are cooked in parmesan and fresh parsley together in a creamy rice dish reminiscent of the dishes of the north of Italy. It’s rich in flavour and nicely balanced, a warm comfort food alternative to pasta and it showcases another traditional favourite of Italy.
Cannelloni
Cannelloni is still one of the most easily recognisable Italian baked pasta dishes. This oven-baked classic is stuffed with spinach and ricotta and then served with rich Napoli sauce. This combination of simple ingredients marries simple tastes to provide a satisfying, traditional Italian sensation. This is for the lover of traditional Italian food.
Bruschetta
Combining classic Italian side dishes with fresh bruschetta mix on garlic bread. Garlic Bread Bruschetta is a delectable Italian inspired appetiser dish. It is an easy but popular choice to start your Italian meal with: A crunchy bread paired with fresh-tasting tomato flavours.
A Pasta Classic – Lasagna
Lasagna is made using a family recipe: To make Lasagna, layered sheets of pasta are combined with a rich bolognese sauce, mozzarella and parmesan. One of the restaurant’s unique pasta dishes, made from scratch for homemade flavour. Gluten-free pasta is also available, which is $5.50 extra and available at the guest’s request. This offers further flexibility for guests with dietary needs as they request gluten-free pasta too ($5.50 extra).
Why locals keep coming back to La Porchetta Lilydale
Housed in the very spot of its beginnings, la porchetta Lilydale has been supplying the people of Lilydale for over 15 years and has perpetuated the brand’s Italian heritage, ushering in its roots in 1985. It is inviting, has a family-friendly interior and a plentiful menu of vegetarian and gluten-free options, with caters to families, couples and groups. Pizzas, pasta, substantial main courses and a special children’s menu make it a simple date night or a family celebration or catching up with friends. These are just some of the reasons why many locals consider it the best family restaurant in lilydale.
Ready to try these dishes?
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed dine-in experience or simply takeaway from their menu, La Porchetta Lilydale makes it easy to find your Italian favourites both at home and on the go. Book a table at La Porchetta Lilydale in advance to avoid hassle during busy days or order online and experience the traditional Italian comfort food that many locals happily return for.
