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Inner East › Richmond › Ladro
LadroB+Worth Trying
224 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
· Italian restaurant, Function room facility, Gluten-free restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (805 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Modern Italian spot with standout lasagna, pizzas, and warm hospitality; a few consistency and saltiness complaints, but overall a strong choice on Gertrude Street.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Ladro delivers solid neighborhood Italian dining with strong food quality anchored by signature dishes like the 100-layer lasagna and well-executed pizzas, paired with warm, attentive service and genuine owner presence. However, inconsistent execution—oversalted plates, temperature issues, and polarizing carbonara—prevents the grade A territory this kitchen approaches on its best nights. The pleasant Gertrude Street setting and family-friendly approach make it a worthwhile destination for classic Italian comfort, though not yet among the region's most reliable fine-dining establishments.
Restaurant Summary
On Gertrude Street, Ladro feels warm and bustling with staff who greet you like regulars and an owner who checks on tables. One diner summed it up: "Service was cheerful and attentive, we felt looked after." The scene is casual and celebratory, sometimes with film or music visuals and a bit of street energy from Fitzroy’s nightlife. In the kitchen, the cooking skews classic Italian done with care more than theatrics—think a richly layered 100-layer lasagna, well-fired pizzas like the Gabagool, and meatballs with real depth. Most plates land beautifully, though a minority report oversalted dishes or the occasional lukewarm plate. Carbonara opinions are split, while the tableside tiramisu is a showy, shareable finisher that many enjoy. Families are welcome here. Kids can tuck into pizza and simple pastas (Margherita, spaghetti meatballs, gnocchi Sorrentina), and birthdays get an extra smile. There is no explicit kids menu, but the core Italian staples work well for younger palates.
At a Glance
- Signature 100-layer lasagna and strong pizza program
- Warm, attentive hospitality with owner presence
- Good dietary coverage (GF/DF options; some vegan pizzas)
- Occasional oversalting and temperature issues on busy nights
- Carbonara quality polarizing across visits
What Sets It Apart
- tableside_tiramisu
- signature_100_layer_lasagna
- owner_led_hospitality
What People Love
- Rich, slow-cooked lasagna
- Tableside tiramisu ritual
- Generous portions on many dishes
- Staff who make guests feel at home
- Crusty pizzas with balanced toppings
Points of Concern
- Some diners report oversalted pasta or lasagna; frequency appears occasional
- Service can slow for very large groups or set menus
- A few reviews cite warm indoor temps when doors are open
- Review patterns are consistent with potential coordination (social-media virality, influencer tone) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostA$65-85 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Share starters like Polpette and Calamari, split a pizza, then one pasta per two to manage richness
- Gluten-free available on many pizzas and pastas; confirm cross-contact if highly sensitive
- For lighter mains, choose Pesce del Giorno with salad sides
Perfect For
- Comforting Italian date night
- Group celebrations and birthdays
- Family dinners with kids who love pizza
- Visitors exploring Gertrude Street dining
Location Insights
Area: Creative inner-north strip with galleries, bars, and dining; draws locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe and lively; some reports of late-night street disorder typical of busy nightlife areas.
Nearby: Gertrude Street shops, bars, art spaces; near Smith St and Brunswick St activity.
FitzroyFitzroy is a trendy and bohemian neighborhood famous for its street art, independent boutiques, and diverse dining scene featuring casual eateries, innovative restaurants, and lively bars. The area attracts a hip crowd looking for unique culinary experiences and a vibrant social atmosphere.
Gertrude StreetGertrude Street is a well-known strip within Fitzroy celebrated for its concentration of cafes, bars, and restaurants offering a mix of casual and upscale dining options, making it a popular destination for food lovers and social gatherings.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:00
Tuesday
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday17:00–22:00
Friday17:00–22:00
Saturday17:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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