An iconic Melbourne restaurant, popular with sporting’s elite and infamous gangland figures, is closing its doors after an impressive 45 years of trade.
Salvatore Cultrera, the owner of Cafe Notturno (aka Notties), which bills itself as an “easygoing, late-night Italian joint”, announced the closure on the weekend with a lengthy statement on social media.
“We want to inform you all Cafe Notturno has been sold and will no longer trade as we’ve all known and loved since 1978,” he declared.
“45 years of love, friendship, family and plenty of fantastic memories.”
Thanking and remembering an extensive list of family, friends and staff, Mr Cultrera said his standout memories of the Lygon St store in Carlton were “street Festas, World Cup soccer & Euros with success in 1982, 2006 and more recent 2020 through Covid”.
“What an amazing experience,” he said.
Mr Cultrera said trading as ‘Notties’ will end on Sunday, August 27, as he wished the new tenant well.
“Once again, thank you for everyone’s support over the years and I will miss Notties so so much, but also very excited for what’s next for me and my family.”
Over its decades of trading, an array of interesting characters had darkened the eatery’s doors, including gangland figures Mark ‘Chopper’ Read, Alphonse Gangitano and Tony Mokbel, and a visit from racing royalty Michael Schumacher.
Mr Cultrera detailed rubbing shoulders with such characters during his time at Notties.
“Chopper Read used to do a late-night radio show nearby and eat at Notties afterwards,” he told the Herald Sun.
“The Ferrari team, including Michael Schumacher, would often dine here during the Formula One.
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“My earliest memory of Alphonse (Gangitano) was when he would sometimes go behind the counter and make his own coffee if he didn’t know the barista.
“Tony Mokbel would also often have lunch here and other members of the Carlton Crew.”
It’s understood the new owners have plans to turn the cafe into an Indian restaurant.
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