Tropicale Italiano – The Long Lunch

When

July 31, 2026

From

11:30 am

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Where

Ollie's Italian, Waterfront Dining, 1 Marlin Parade, Cairns

Cost

$250.00

Cairns Italian Festival’s Tastiest Event is Back!

Say ciao to the ultimate Italian feast! La Dolce Vita – The Long Lunch returns to the Cairns Italian Festival in 2025, bringing back a stylish, sun-drenched afternoon celebrating the very best of Italian food, wine and hospitality.

Set in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, this signature event is all about gathering around the table with friends old and new to indulge in a generous, share-style Italian dining experience. Expect multiple courses inspired by Italy’s rich culinary traditions, thoughtfully paired with beautiful wines and complemented by lively entertainment that captures the spirit of la dolce vita — the sweet life.

From the first sip to the final bite, La Dolce Vita – The Long Lunch is designed to be more than just a meal. It’s a celebration of flavour, community and culture — where long conversations, laughter and music flow as freely as the wine.

Whether you’re a devoted foodie, a lover of Italian culture, or simply looking for an unforgettable afternoon out, this is your invitation to slow down, savour every moment and experience one of the festival’s most anticipated events.

Seats are limited, so stay tuned for more details and secure your place at the table. Come hungry, leave happy — that’s la dolce vita!

Sponsored by

Menu

Aperol Spritz or Peroni Red on arrival

1st Course

individual snack
brought to you by Dario Manca, Attimi
Saffron Risotto al Salto
Galloni prosciutto aged 24 months, stracciatella, Oscietra caviar.

2nd Course

to share
brought to you by Dario Manca, Attimi
West Australian Fremantle Octopus
Marca Oro EVO, Asperium vinegar, smoked labneh, Lardo di Colonnata.
paired with
Soumah Hexham Vineyard Pinot Grigio 2024 Yarra Valley, Victoria
Le Monde Pinot Grigio DOC 2023 Friuli, Italia
75ml each

3rd Course

to share
brought to you by Giuseppe Morabito, Ollie’s Italian
House Made Duck Ravioli
Burnt orange butter, duck jus, besciamella sauce, finely ground sage.
paired with
Colli di Lapio Fiano di Avellino DOCG 2022 Campania, Italia
Jericho Family Fiano 2023 Adelaide Hills, SA
75ml each

4th Course

to share
brought to you by Dario Manca, Attimi
Line Caught Coral Trout
Prosciutto and cardamon sauce, chilli oil, puffed barley and grapefruit
paired with
La Prova Aglianico Rosato 2024 Adelaide Hills, SA
Elena Fucci “Titilo” Aglianico Rosato IGT 2023 Basilicata, Italia
75ml each

5th Course

to share
brought to you by Giuseppe Morabito, Ollie’s Italian
Josper Charcoal Grilled Scotch Fillet Tagliata
Parsnip puree, Nero d’Avola red wine jus, chimichurri
paired with
Fighting Gully Road Sangiovese 2023,Beechworth, Victoria
Castello di Farnetella Chianti Classico Colli Senesi DOCG 2021 Sinalunga, Toscan
75ml each

Sides to share
Mash potatoes, sour cream, ‘nduja sauce
Mesculin salad, pickled cucumber, cashew nuts, cherry tomatoes, fennel dressing

6th & Gran Finale

Served by Dario, Guiseppe & the team
Cannoli, ricotta cream, chocolate chips, pistachio, candied orange
Sgroppino, Prosecco, lemon sorbet, mint oil
paired with Ollie’s Limoncello

Inclusions:

Entertainers

Romano Brothers

Adding a distinctive sound to the Cairns Italian Festival, Romano Bros. bring the vibrant spirit of Sicily to life through music. Born from a creative partnership between brothers Angelo and Marco Romano, this Sicilian pop‑rock band blends influences from pop, rock, funk, jazz, Latin rhythms and Mediterranean sounds to create a lively and memorable performance.

Since forming in 1999, Romano Bros. have built a strong reputation through their dynamic live shows and original music, producing songs that reflect their heritage and musical journey — from early performances across Sicily to national recognition and recording projects that capture their eclectic style and rich cultural roots.

Their music honors Sicilian tradition with contemporary energy, making them a perfect fit for our festival stage. Expect an engaging mix of rhythms, passionate vocals, and the infectious joy of Italian music that will have the crowd moving and celebrating together.

Mike Rivett & Dj Lukeh

Adding a fresh and electrifying soundtrack to your festival night, Mike Rivett and Lukeh bring their unique musical talents to the dance floor, blending creativity, groove, and cutting‑edge beats for an unforgettable experience.

Mike Rivett is a highly respected Australian musician, composer and DJ with deep roots in jazz, electronic production and live performance. Based in Cairns, Mike has toured and performed extensively around the world, and is known for his creative command over sound — combining saxophone, synths and electronic elements with deep rhythmic sensibilities. As a DJ, Mike spins a dynamic mix of house, tech house, bass music and minimal electronic styles, weaving original productions and curated tracks to create sets that are both immersive and rhythmically engaging.

Lukeh is a versatile North Queensland‑based DJ and producer with a passion for house music in its many forms. His sets blend deep, groovy rhythms with progressive, minimal, melodic and ambient elements, reflecting his journey through electronic music and his commitment to creating engaging, dance‑friendly experiences. Known for integrating live instrumentation and original productions into his performances, Lukeh’s sound bridges the worlds of groove, texture and energy, keeping crowds moving and fully immersed in the vibe.

Together, Mike Rivett and Lukeh deliver a night of dynamic beats, deep grooves and eclectic soundscapes, perfect for festival celebrations, dancefloors, and late‑night energy. Their combined styles ensure a celebration that’s as rich in atmosphere as it is in rhythm.