Paul ‘Dougie’ Douglas and Belinda Smullen are well know foodies in the Hills area, and have a passion for good, wholesome locally growth seasonal food. Together they have provided the community with the successful General Food Store, that has been running since 2011. Their latest venture has just opened on Belgrave-Gembrook Road in Avonsleigh and is a testament to their joint love of Italian food and vibrant welcoming hospitality. Bam Bam Italian is a stylish, well heeled restaurant of the finest quality.

The General Food Store, also on Belgrave Gembrook Road is a bustling Cafe, that offers an evolving menu of local and greater Victorian produce. Bam Bam Italian is designed along the same lines but offers modern Italian inspired delights for all the family. Paul is a highly experienced Chef with over 20 years experience working in London, New Zealand and Australia in other Italian establishments including: Sartoria (London); Restaurant 2, under the guise of Marco Lori (South Yarra); and Ladro (Prahran). He understands that Italian food is more than just pizza and pasta. It’s about fresh, quality produce and again seasonal eating.

The restaurant is well decked out for all the family and any type of private dinner or function you can imagine, and with their own garden growing outside that will soon be filled with fresh delicious home grown produce, you can not go wrong. It is a warm contemporary and inviting space, with friendly and attentive staff.

My good friend and I enjoyed a delightful lunch there last week, staying well over two hours, enjoying the simple but authentic salads and some outstanding polenta chips. The wine, the cake and the coffee were delicious and the atmosphere enjoyable.

I look forward to the opportunity to eat there again soon. You should get on down to Bam Bam Italian, open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, for a great meal and a fantastic food experience.

https://www.bambamitalian.com.au