400 Gradi’s Johnny di Francesco fell in love with pizza making as a teenager and has been running his iconic Italian restaurants in Melbourne for more than 15 years.
The restaurant chain has also earned the coveted award for World’s Best Pizza many years in a row, and last year was ranked 8th among the Best Artisan Pizza Chains in the World.
Johnny di Francesco spoke to The Write Drop for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
I live in Melbourne, the city where four seasons happen in one day, coffee is practically a religion, and food is an extreme sport. What I love most? The crazy mix of cultures that makes every street feel like a world tour. One minute you’re eating handmade pasta in Carlton, the next you’re sipping the best flat white in Fitzroy or grabbing late-night dumplings in the city. Melbourne’s got flavour, personality, and endless vibes, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Eating at my father’s table will forever be my favourite food memory. Everything came straight from his hands, the home‑grown veggies, the jars of preserves he proudly lined up like trophies, and the wine he poured with a smile. It wasn’t just food, it was love on a plate. Every bite tasted like family, laughter, and stories I’ll carry forever. Those meals weren’t just unforgettable. They were pure magic.
FAVOURITE BAR
The Chandelier Bar in Las Vegas, hands down my favourite. It’s literally a bar inside a giant chandelier, so you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. And the best part ordering the “secret” drink, the Verbena. One sip, a little buzz from that magical Szechuan button, and BOOM your taste buds are throwing a party in Vegas too.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Gin and tonic, effortlessly classic with just the right amount of edge. I keep it simple, but there’s always a little twist that keeps things interesting. Smooth, refreshing, and never goes out of style. Pretty much me in a glass.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Keep drinking, then rest up and pretend you’re detoxing.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
NOLA in Adelaide for some killer craft beer.
FAVOURITE WINE
Easy, a bottle of Sassicaia I shared with my wife in Modena, at Osteria Francescana. Picture this, world‑class food, a legendary bottle of wine, and the person I love most, my wife Maria. It was one of those pinch me moments where everything just felt perfect. Good wine’s great, but when it’s paired with memories like that. Unbeatable.
FAVOURITE WINERY
Gaja Piemonte. Here Nebbiolo is the king, and every bottle has a story.
NEXT DESTINATION
Italy, always Italy. It’s the country I adore, the place that feeds my soul and my stomach. From sipping espresso in hidden piazzas to eating pizza straight out of a wood‑fired oven. Every visit feels like coming home, but with better pasta.
