Simone and Viviana were this year’s My Kitchen Rules 2024 (MKR) winners, but did you know that Simone owns two restaurants?
Cooking has always been Simone’s passion. Speaking to Channel 7, he said he learnt how to cook from his father.
“I learned to cook in my dad’s pizzeria when I was younger, cultivating a passion for food from a young age,” he said.
Simone owns two restaurants in Brisbane, an Italian takeaway joint called Scugnizzi Italian Street Food and bakery and restaurant, Doughcraft.
Here is everything you need to know about MKR winner Simone’s restaurants.
What you need to know about Scugnizzi Italian Street Food
Scugnizzi Italian Street Food opened in 2023 and serves pizza, pasta and other Italian goodies to people in Brisbane’s CBD.
Speaking to The Weekend Edition, Simone said he saw a lack in Italian fast food places where you could grab a slice of pizza and go.
“At the moment Brisbane is saturated with so many amazing Italian restaurants where you can sit down and enjoy a Neapolitan-style pizza, but there is nowhere you can go and grab a slice of pizza in teglio (Roman-style pizza in tray) to go,” he told the publication.
What can you order at Scugnizzi Italian Street Food?
Scugnizzi offers pizza by the slice or whole, pasta like carbonara and bolognese, burrata bowls, arancini and Italian desserts like tiramisu and Napoli babà. Yum!
What does Scugnizzi mean?
Scugnizzi is an Italian word from the Neapolitan dialect meaning larrikins that hang on the streets, according to The Weekend Edition.
What do people say about Scugnizzi Italian Street Food?
Diners have nothing but glowing reviews for the Italian fast food place.
“Amazing amazing amazing. Absolute BEST pasta I have ever had. I have never been a pasta fan like my wife and daughter, but finishing my Ravioli, I slurped up what remained of theirs.
And the experience, next level,” one reviewer wrote on Google.
Another reviewer glowed about the gluten-free options and the friendly staff!
“I just had the most delicious gluten free pasta here. They were able to make my meal separately to limit cross contamination. The staff were just so lovely, kind and helpful. The meal sizes were perfect in my opinion and the flavor of the pasta was deliciously balanced. I think I am going to be dreaming about this pasta and making special trips just to have some. Thank you so much for my delicious meal,” they wrote.
Do I need to book a table at Scugnizzi Italian Street Food?
No, you don’t just walk in and order your food. But, because it is takeaway there is limited seating at the restaurant.
Where is Scugnizzi Italian Street Food?
If you live in Brisbane or are visiting you can find the restaurant at Shop 2/168 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City.
It’s open Monday to Saturday, 11am – 8pm.
You can find them on Instagram at @scugnizzi.au.
What you need to know about Doughcraft
Simone’s second restaurant, Doughcraft is a fusion French and Italian bakery and restaurant located in Brisbane.
This began as a bakery in the northern Brisbane suburb of Albion and since then the team moved and opened a bigger restaurant in Brisbane’s CBD earlier this year.
Doughcraft serves lunch and dinner, and you can pop in and grab a delicious pastry in the morning.
What can you order at Doughcraft?
Simone’s restaurant Doughcraft is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you could eat at the restaurant all day if you wanted!
They have some very intriguing bakery options like a savoury prawn and ricotta cannoli (see above), pistachio tortino, croissants with coconut almond cream and a crownie, which is a croissant tart with a pecan brownie on the inside. Our mouths are watering!
You can also grab some delicious Italian paninis that are made from scratch. In fact, all their pastries are made in-house!
For dinner, Doughcraft has a thoughtful, curated menu where diners can order appetisers such as baby octopus, bruschetta, burrata and scallops.
For mains, you can treat yourself to kinds of pasta such as carbonara, ravioli and pumpkin gnocchi; and pizzas such as Margherita, seafood and mushroom pizza. There are also some main options like fish and steak if that tickles your fancy.
What do people say about Doughcraft?
Diners who have eaten at Doughcraft have nothing but lovely things to say about Simone’s restaurant.
“Recently dined at DoughCraft with my family, and it was an unforgettable experience! The atmosphere was warm and the menu was fantastic. The service was great. For the price, quality was excellent and portions. Doughcraft in Brisbane CBD has stepped up,” one reviewer said on Google.
Another diner raved about the staff and vibe.
“My husband and I enjoyed breakfast here yesterday. Loved the atmosphere, staff were all delightful. We couldn’t decide between sweet delights or savoury, so ordered one of each and shared. Highly recommend,” the reviewer said.
Where is Doughcraft?
Doughcraft is located at 181 Mary Street, Brisbane City.
It’s opening hours are, Monday to Friday 7am-2pm and Tuesday to Saturday 5pm – 10pm.
If you’re in Brisbane or thinking of taking a trip to the city, why don’t you try one of Simone’s restaurants?
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