Located in the former Toofey’s building (just off Lygon Street in Carlton) Esposito is an award winning seafood restaurant known for ethically sourcing only the best fresh local produce.

Executive chef and owner, Maurice Esposito  has had a career spanning over 20 years and has had the opportunity to work  with some of the greats including Stephanie Alexander and Robert Castellani. Both Esposito and head chef Mirella Willingham pride themselves on an  irreverent style of cooking  and faithful commitment to clear and clean flavours.

It was a grey Friday afternoon when we had the chance to meet Maurice, with only a brief spare moment (between the lunch rush and the dinner prep) he kindly let us ask him a couple of quick questions and snap away inside his restaurant before he was off to grab a coffee and prepare for his dinner service.

MoM – Hi Maurice, what’s your first food related memory?

Maurice – My mother’s pasta dishes, for many years Maria (my Mother) has provided
many of the restaurants I’ve worked in with her very own handmade pasta!

MoM – And what’s the one ingredient that you couldn’t live without?

Maurice – Sea salt, lemons, garlic, tomatoes and excellent bread!

MoM – Who or what inspires you?

Maurice – Many people from many differing backgrounds, anyone who continually keeps working at their craft/business.

MoM – Could you please tell us what the inspiration is behind Esposito?

Maurice – Bringing to Melbourne the best specialist seafood restaurant.

MoM – So do you source your produce/seafood locally?

Maurice – Absolutely!

MoM – What have been the biggest challenges and rewards of starting your own
restaurant?

Maurice - Developing business acumen and skills other than those required in the
kitchen.

MoM – What is your favourite meal to cook and/or eat?

Maurice – Lasagne or a simple meal like fish or steak with salad!

MoM – And finally, what is your favourite ’secret’ Melbourne place?

Maurice - Although not entirely secret I love to purchase wine from Bottega Tasca
in Lygon Street Carlton, they stock some excellent European wines and
Aldo, Paul and Fabian have wonderful stories and information about their
stock.

ESPOSITO

Monday to Friday lunch from 12 noon.

Monday to Saturday dinner from 6.00pm

162 Elgin Street, Carlton

Phone – 03 9347 9838
email – dine@espositofood.com

Story and Pictures by Janey Umback