Iconic Italian restaurant in Melbourne closes its doors after 40 years

A much loved Italian restaurant in Melbourne is the latest business to close its doors after more than four decades.

An iconic Melbourne restaurant, known for its vibrant atmosphere, authentic Italian food and “serenading” diners during dinner service has closed its doors after 40 years in business.

The Olive Jar, previously known as La Contadina, has managed to thrive during the last four decades due to its devoted customer base and its proximity to the home of Italian food in Carlton.

Owner Giovanni Mico told news.com.au that making closing doors was a complex and ultimately “very sad” decision.

“I can’t tell you the amount of emails and phone calls that we have received, it’s just overwhelming,” he said.

“I got a bit emotional as well, because obviously, we have always thought we were part of a big family,” Mr Mico said.

The Olive Jar was rebranded in 2014 from it's previous name for 30 years, La Contadina. Picture: Supplied.

The popular restaurant on Rathdowne Street was known for serving up fresh “made to order” pasta along with a side of ‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra, lead by Mr Mico.

“People would join in and have a lot of fun,” he said.

“With the pandemic, people felt that they were going somewhere they could relax and at the same time be entertained.”

One regular restaurant goer said the restaurant holds a “special place” in their family’s hearts and while they will “miss” The Olive Jar, they are “grateful for the lasting” memories.

“The Olive Jar holds a very special place. My girls always watched adoringly as you serenaded them over a delicious plate of homemade pasta.”

Another customer agreed, “Thank you for some truly wonderful evenings and brilliant singing,” they said.

Owner and chef Giovanni Mico would often sing 'My Way' by Frank Sinatra to his guests during dinner service. Picture: Supplied.

Singing was a passion which started in the 70s for the restaurateur, who said entertaining his guests was a “point of difference” for their business.

“I used to do a lot of gigs for Italian weddings, going back into the 70s and 80s. It was just a beginning from a very young age, which we continued with the restaurant, as a point of difference,” he said.

“Many nights people just join in and have great fun.”

Since the announcement of the restaurant closure, many customers have taken to social media commenting they are “saddened” by the news.

“Thank you for the beautiful memories at La Contadina and The Olive Jar. For over 35 years, your hospitality, delicious food, and warm atmosphere have made each visit truly special,” one customer wrote.

The Olive Jar was known for their 'made to order', homemade cut pasta. Picture: Supplied.

“My favourite place in Carlton, the service, food and entertainment have always been fantastic,” another said.

“Thank you for always making me feel like I’ve just come home every time I visit, I’m going to miss Giovanni singing my favourite songs,” wrote a third customer.

Mr Mico said after “a little break” there are a few leads and ideas in the pipeline as future business ventures, including directing a film he has written.

“There’s quite a lot happening. I’m getting requests from a few people, a few venues and stuff like that,” he said.

“We love the industry and I’m sure somewhere along the line we’re going to pop up somewhere.

“Perhaps go visit a few rural areas within Tuscany and Italy, to learn a little bit more because I do have families that are in the hospitality industry over there and perhaps I’ll be able to pick up quite a lot of other secrets, to bring back”.

The Olive Jar is the fourth restaurant in the Carlton suburb to close in a matter of months.

It follows the announcement made a week ago that La Luna Bistro, another Italian restaurant, was closing its doors.