A beloved Melbourne restaurant, 1800 Lasagne, which once hosted celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, has entered voluntary administration. Located in Thornbury, the restaurant announced on August 5 that it has been taken over by external administrators, effective from the new financial year.
The announcement was made via a heartfelt Instagram post, stating,
‘1800 Lasagne has entered into voluntary administration and we are working closely with the administration team to streamline and re-structure our model to ensure we take the best steps while moving forward.’
The post reassured customers and stakeholders that ‘our loyal suppliers and our beloved staff are and will continue to be our highest priority through this process.’
A Culinary Journey from Pandemic to Prominence
1800 Lasagne began as a lasagne-delivery service during the pandemic, founded by Joey Kellock. It quickly grew in popularity, leading to the opening of its current location on High Street. The restaurant gained significant attention in 2023 when Jamie Oliver, filming the 16th season of MasterChef Australia, visited and praised the establishment.
Oliver described the restaurant as a place where
‘the jazz was playing, the wine was flowing,’
and noted the ‘nice energy with the staff.’ That same year, 1800 Lasagne earned a coveted chef’s hat in the Good Food guide, marking it as the first-ever ‘hatted’ lasagne restaurant.
Operational Changes and Community Commitment
Despite the financial restructuring, the restaurant is not closing its doors. Instead, its operations will now be managed by accounting advisory group HLB Mann Judd, appointed as external administrators as of July 30. The restaurant’s trading hours and delivery service remain unchanged, ensuring continuity for its loyal patrons.
The restaurant’s recent update emphasized,
‘1800 Lasagne has always been about people, passion, and plates of love – and that hasn’t changed.’
The message encouraged the community to continue visiting, assuring that it is ‘business as usual.’
Signature Dishes and Culinary Offerings
1800 Lasagne is renowned for its focused menu, centered around its signature lasagne dishes. The Lasagne Di Carne, featuring a meaty bolognaise of minced beef and pork, and the vegetarian Lasagne Di Melanzane, based on eggplant, are both priced at $32. The menu also includes other pasta options like Spaghetti Napoli for $25, Rigatoni with beef shank ragu for $36, and Pipe Rigate with Queensland Tiger prawns for $35.
A recent Instagram post shared an image of a dining table laden with plates of lasagne and garlic bread, confirming that the restaurant remains open for bookings, walk-ins, takeaway, and delivery.
Looking Ahead
The move to voluntary administration represents a challenging yet hopeful phase for 1800 Lasagne. As the restaurant navigates this transition, it remains committed to its community and culinary roots. The support from patrons and the broader community will be crucial as it strives to emerge stronger and continue serving its cherished dishes.
As the situation develops, diners can expect the same warm hospitality and delicious offerings that have made 1800 Lasagne a staple in Melbourne’s dining scene. The restaurant’s journey from a pandemic-born delivery service to a celebrated dining spot underscores its resilience and dedication to quality and community.
