Australians love their pasta and Italian fare with flair…there is no doubt about it! This week we delve into the world of pasta – from sauces and recipes to where to indulge the senses with all dining pasta-bilities.
As we continue on our gourmet drive around the country checking out 2024 Chef Hat-winning restaurants, here are five where you are guaranteed a tortellini awesome meal:
Old Italy with a Modern Twist
If cravings lean towards the true flavours of Italian cuisine, stop by Entrata on Glenhaven Road. This Glenhaven restaurant with bush views is all rustic charm with exposed coloured brick walls and dark wood furniture blending seamlessly with glowing pendent lights, to create a moody dining experience.
Plating up fare from the roots of old Italy with a modern twist, expect seasonal dishes such as citrus-marinated kingfish, radish, chives, caramelised cherry tomato, squid ink tuille and Prosecco vinaigrette; then indulge the senses with a main of linguine with rock lobster, cherry tomato, chilli, saffron lobster butter bisque and citrus almond pesto.
Tassie Produce Through an Italian Lens
Experience local Tasmanian produce through an Italian lens at Stelo at Pierre’s on George Street in Launceston. Part of the city’s rich and diverse history, Stelo spreads across two grand dining rooms, a bar and a private dining space; appointed with locally crafted leather bench seats, Tasmanian Oak and leather chairs and crisp linen, the venue feels warm, luxe and intimate.
Dine on Wagyu beef, seafood from the rugged coastline and organically grown forgotten vegetables in an ever-evolving menu; think plates like barbequed calamari, shaved and pickled fennel, tentacles and chilli oil, followed by strozzapretti pasta with spiced pork sausage ragu, salsa verde and Parmigiana Reggiano.
Sense of Familgia & Connection
Bringing a sense of familgia and connection to Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, head to Osteria Coogee on Alfreda Street for Italian classics...revived. The perfect beachside setting for a casual dinner with friends, date night or family celebration, settle in at the window seat on a high stool and people watch; while overhead cane pendents and trailing ferns add to the chilled-out vibe.
With an icy glass of vino in hand graze on tuna tartare, with fermented chilli and mascarpone; before devouring pasta temptations such as calamarata with spanner crab, prawn, garlic and chilli with Napoletana sauce, or paccheri with lamb shoulder ragu, white wine, salsa verde and butter. Perhaps potato gnocchi hits the mark, served with truffle porcini cream and chives.
Classic Italian Techniques
For a truly memorable dining experience, enter Balboa Italian restaurant perched along Gold Coast Highway in Palm Beach. Guests are greeted by a towering red brick building, fitted out with charcoal black finishings, while inside modern luxe meets industrial charm with a moody vibe created by hanging chandeliers, overflowing greenery, high ceilings, exposed metal beams, intimate nooks and private seating areas.
An eclectic menu has been crafted from local sources, showcasing classic Italian techniques and unique dishes, plated with flair to match an abundant wine and cocktail selection. Begin with scallops on the half shell, fennel purée, Sicilian salsa, nduja crumb and crispy basil; for the main, twirl your fork around pappardelle with spiced goat meat ragu, Grana Padano, tomato and extra virgin olive oil.
Tantalising Culinary Journey
Prepare for a tantalising journey of Italian dining at Bella Venezia, a popular hot spot on Mooloolaba’s vibrant Esplanade at Pacific Beach Resort. Calling this iconic precinct home since 1983, Bella Venezia offers several dining options from plush blue velvet seating and red velvet booths to tables overlooking the beautiful Mooloolaba Esplanade and alfresco Champagne garden dining.
Premium produce is sourced from local Sunshine Coast suppliers, seafood from Mooloolaba Port and quality imported ingredients for a menu overflowing with artfully plated dishes created by award-winning Chefs. Savour tempting plates of duck leg ravioli, carrot and anise purée, pickled, raw and roasted carrot and jus, or tagliatelle with slow-cooked Angus beef ragu and basil-infused Grana Padano.
New World Italian Glamour
New world Italian glamour has landed in Baulkham Hills at Sarino's on Brookhollow Avenue. Located on level one of Mullane's Hotel, this stylish restaurant, bar and cocktail lounge exudes an elegant vibe of leather booth seating and intimate tables for a romantic rendezvous with your special someone.
There are also private dining rooms for your next celebration or family occasion; settle in with a cocktail and peruse a menu of classic Italian dishes, like an entrée of wood-fired King prawns, calabrese salami, roasted capsicum, lemon and garlic, then devour pasta plates of spaghetti cacio e pepe or fussilli with prawns and basil pesto, enjoyed with a glass of Chardonnay.
