CCTV shows moment Molotov cocktail thrown into Melbourne ice cream shop

CCTV footage has shown the moment two men threw a Molotov cocktail through the window of a Melbourne ice cream shop in the second arson attack on the store in two days.

Detectives are investigating the incident as part of two separate fire bombing attacks overnight, with a Docklands restaurant owned by an underworld crime boss also torched.

Police believe the two fires are linked.

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Footage shows a pair of fumbling arsonists kick through the front window of the Williamstown ice cream shop, before struggling to use a lighter and finally hurling a flaming bottle inside.

Police said the incident was the second attempt in two nights for the store, which received minor damage.

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The same couldn't be said for a restaurant across the bay, which was completely destroyed by fire.

Police believe the business on the New Quay Promenade in Docklands was set alight just after 2am, triggering an evacuation of the 60 residents living in apartments above.

The now gutted restaurant, Karisma, is owned by underworld crime boss Fadi Haddara.

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"We smelled something burning and I just came out of the balcony and saw what's happening," resident Rithvik Chandra told 9News.

"By the time I came down to the lobby, it was completely filled with smoke and that's when I actually started panicking.

"We were scared."

The business was first targeted by arsonists on Saturday, with fire significantly damaging the venue, according to police.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam footage or information that could assist investigators are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.