Arkibar represents everything there is to love about dining out in Melbourne: dark inky interiors, comfortable seating, warm and convivial wait staff and fresh and delicious food. The South Melbourne cucina has been in operation for almost twenty years, serving up perfectly mastered regional Italian cuisine. The menu changes seasonally with daily soup, pasta and specials scribed on the restaurant's blackboard. Owners Susy and Ray Esposito are marvellous team: Ray works hard in the kitchen and Susy welcomes diners, making the cucina a second home to many of the locals. Arkibar even grows and harvests produce from the on-site herb and veggie gardens. Eating here is good whether visiting for breakfast, lunch or dinner. And the baristas make a mean brew. Arkibar Cucina is more than just good food: it is flavoursome comfort on a plate.