Every bite tells a story | Local roots, Italian soul — experience Amici

It is set in a beautifully renovated and reimagined venue in Stewart St, Shepparton, opposite ‘The Tower’.

The transformation of this space has truly blown me away.

Every detail reflects the care, creativity and vision behind it.

It's a stunning rejuvenation of a building that holds so many fond memories – the beloved former home of Shepparton Toyworld.

Reflecting on this space has sparked a wave of nostalgia.

I’ve enjoyed diving down the rabbit hole of its history, recalling the many businesses that came before Amici.

Along the way, I’ve found myself sharing stories with locals, reminiscing and exploring the evolving face of Shepparton’s retail scene.

A special thank you to Monica Connolly, Nanno Schilkinis, Kevin Hicks and Terry Shiels for letting me pick your brains.

Many will remember that it was the Russell family who first brought Toyworld to Shepparton, originally opening on Maude St.

I vividly recall one December in the early 1970s when my sister rode her bike there and cheekily asked if Greta Keenan had a lay-by — and was it the latest Scalextric slot car set?

Her grin when she found out what Santa had in store was priceless.

I was a regular myself, heading in for swap cards — and yes, I still have them!

The Russells were a cornerstone of Shepparton retail.

Alongside Toyworld, they ran Russell’s Carousel on Wyndham St — a homewares and fashion store with a café tucked at the back, an early nod to today’s café culture.

Toyworld later moved to Stewart St — into the very building that now houses Amici.

The original Maude St shop became Maude’s Café.

The Stewart St Toyworld thrived for about 50 years — first under Stewart, then Ian Russell, before being lovingly operated by Nanno and Arnold Schilkinis for another 25 years.

It eventually closed in 2012, making way for a bridal boutique, before being purchased by Melina and Greg Loverso.

Then came a period of mystery.

Around 2018, the building was sold again, but its future remained unclear.

For a long time, passers-by would peer through the papered windows, wondering what would come next.

And the wait?

Worth every second.

From childhood wonder to elegant dining, this space has seen it all.

Amici not only brings a new culinary experience to town but breathes fresh life into a building that holds a special place in so many Shepparton hearts.

The Epicurean Club recently held a meeting there, and I cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional hospitality we received and the truly beautiful food served.

Melina and Greg, who previously ran venues such as 88 Café, closed their walk-in café to focus on this passion project — a dedicated events venue, free from the unpredictability of everyday trade.

This has clearly been a labour of love — from the imported Italian pizza oven to the authentic architraves, pressed metal ceilings and even the discovery of old newspapers within the walls.

The layout is versatile, perfect for intimate dining or larger gatherings.

While Amici is currently open only for events, if you’re looking for a venue with charm, warmth, excellent hospitality and outstanding food — this is it.

They even offer outside catering.

On the night we visited, we were treated to a six-course feast.

Every dish was beautifully presented, perfectly portioned and full of flavour — enough to satisfy without leaving you in a food coma.

The menu included melt-in-your-mouth seared scallops, cheesy arancini, cloud-like ricotta gnocchi, basil cream-stuffed chicken thigh, tender beef tagliata, and to finish, a divine chocolate and lemon meringue tart.

Amici is more than a restaurant — it’s a celebration of good food, good company and the layered stories of a treasured Shepparton space brought to life once more.

Food pricing for Amici rated by Jan and Paul: $$

(Expensive $$$, moderate $$, good value $).