As a typical Melbourne winter sets in, Pepe’s Italian & Liquor transports guests to the Italian alps with the launch of Pepe’s Winter Chalet.

Celebrating all that Northern Italy and the Dolomites have to offer, the immersive experience in the heart of Melbourne will delight foodies, cocktail connoisseurs and anyone looking for a fun alternative to driving up to the snow this winter! With a menu featuring decadent handmade pasta and speciality winter cocktails, Pepe’s is perfect for Melbournians ready to embrace the chilly season, Italian style.

Guests are invited to experience bespoke novelties like the custom-built sleigh while spotting reindeer or they can dance in the snow with a (hard) Tequila Cioccolata hot tottie. As the snow machine transforms the Garden Lounge into a postcard-worthy winter paradise, Pepe’s is set to be a hot spot for late date nights and early family dinners alike. Indoors, the Italian Dolomites experience comes to life with custom alpine flags, authentic timber skis and other chalet inspired theming adorning every corner, all while the smell of warm cinnamon wafts throughout.

The Pepe’s Chalet experience includes a specialty winter menu incorporating dishes from Northern Italy. Dishes include Mafaldine, handmade pasta with a mouth-watering Lamb Ragu, and Mezzaluna, a traditional crescent moon pasta local to the Dolomites. Alongside these dishes, a flavourful Clam, Prawn and Calamari Pizza and Burrata with Grilled Leeks and Walnuts are new to the menu and guaranteed to delight.

The much-loved traditional Italian style dishes remain, with a strong list of pizza classics and signature dishes like Suppli Al Telefono (Roman Arancini) and Spicy Vodka Rigatoni and to enjoy in the cosy Chalet.

To complement these winter dishes, speciality cocktails for the season include; a sweet and floral gin-inspired number called Ski School and another new creation; Chalet Girl, which is a tangy key lime flavoured cocktail with Toasted Barley Vodka, Lime Curd, Tonka Bean and Whites.

The dessert menu is one not to be missed this snow season; Knickerbocker Glory is a rich, layered Strawberry Sundae that will get your tastebuds going and the warm Apple Strudel is the perfect way to end your night at Pepe’s.

The restaurant’s heritage-listed, faded red-brick facade is known to many a Melbournian and boasts the largest outdoor space of its kind in the Melbourne CBD. There are 2 separate outdoor areas including the Garden Lounge and Beer Garden, as well as an intimate private dining room, The Rintel Room.