#2 – Lygon Street (North of Faraday Street)

In this post I would like to explore Lygon street, a street not only feeling like a movie portrayal of Italy right in Australia’s backyard, but also one highlighted in many films of its own, such as Si parla Italiano (2013) which unveils the history behind the infamous street. Lygon street has well and truly earned its title of Australia’s little Italy. Walking down the street, I found myself immersed in a heavily European-influenced culture, with cuisine primarily advertised as being of Italian origin. Whilst the number of restaurants north of Faraday street is few, the ambiance lends itself to one which feels very Italian, straight out of the movies. It is almost dark somehow, in spite of it being in broad daylight, covered by trees and large square umbrellas as well as big signs surrounding outdoor table settings, advertising Italian brands. The darkness leads to a cozy and familial feeling yet the streets are still bustling with energy and the sounds of people speaking in Italian to each other. You feel like you have left Melbourne and followed the aromas of coffee, freshly baked pizza and vibrant herbs all the way to Italy. Many of the restaurants lend themselves to an upmarket feel, sporting moderate-high pricings. In particular, Brunetti, which is laced with marble and gold. Even family diners provide both rich food and rich culture at a moderately affordable price. I have taken a liking to this Italian foodscape primarily for the reason as I love to travel but for obvious reasons cannot afford to go to Italy every time I feel like experiencing the Italian landscape and eating an entire pizza to myself. In addition to this, my partner is proudly Italian and thus I feel a connection to her as I walk down Lygon street and explore the foodscape. Since my last visit I have been thinking more about ‘authenticity’ and what that truly means. I would say for the most part, restaurants in Lygon street feel authentic primarily due to the homely and intimate feel and simple yet vibrant and delicious food bringing people together. There is a fine line between being authentic and playing too far into Italian stereotypes as to feel “authentic” as according to the foreigner’s view of Italy. Nevertheless I would love to go to the real Italy for comparison, not just this picture-perfect version.