Go Fishing for Seafood Pasta at these 5 Restaurants

Do you know why seafood spaghetti is called ‘spaghetti allo scoglio’?

A scogliio is a rocky seashore and in traditional pasta allo soglio, only shellfish from the rugged Mediterranean coastline can be used in the sauce. Usually the dish combines clams, mussels, calamari and prawns with pasta to transport the diner to another world where the treasures of the sea are in abundance and vino flows freely.

Here are five restaurants where seafood and pasta go hand in hand with fin-tastic dining:

Indulge in rich, authentic flavours at Firma Italian on Grey Street in South Brisbane where the heart of Italy meets the soul of casual dining. Find yourself on the charming streets of Europe as you dine in elegant surrounds of banquette and intimate table settings, floral arrangements and wine racks on dishes from handmade pasta to slow-cooked sauces, with every bite a celebration of tradition crafted with passion and precision.

Say ciao to starters of spiced Brisbane Valley quail, soft polenta, artichokes and quail jus, moving onto squid ink spaghetti with pipis, mussels, parsley and chilli, or risotto verde with stracciatella, rapini, candied lemon and anchovies; make sure to leave room for decadent dolci such as warm chocolate pudding and hazelnut gelato or tiramisu for two created at your table.

Expect a dining experience that will take you straight to the heart of Italy at Made In Casa on Glenferrie Road in Malvern. Nestled in an elegant old English house, this dining destination exudes a sense of refined luxury from the moment you step through the door; the centrepiece of the dining room is a grand wood-burning oven surrounded by a warm and inviting fireplace.

 

The colour palette of sage green, white and natural wood creates an ambience of sophisticated comfort, while a grand staircase and chandelier lead to a second floor with two more rooms and fireplaces. From a menu showcasing housemade pasta and pizza, start with mussels, tomato, chilli and parsley, served in a pizza bowl; before spaghetti alle vongole – durum wheat spaghetti, clams, garlic, parsley, olive oil and white wine.

Eat, live and enjoy at Brisbane's latest dining destination, Massimo Restaurant & Bar in the Riverside Centre on Eagle Street. This sophisticated venue on the boardwalk level has a prestigious waterfront position, spectacular views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge and a contemporary interior ambience of blond wood, geometric brass pendents and oval feature windows.

 

Stop by for a leisurely lunch, afternoon aperitivo or romantic evening meal, from an Italian-inspired menu showcasing fresh produce in simple, authentic style; char-grilled octopus and beetroot pesto entice to begin, then twirl your fork around spaghetti alla marinara – prawn, fish, mussels, scallops, calamari and rich tomato sauce, or sand crab trenette, with white wine, garlic, lemon and cherry tomatoes.

Kick back with an ice-cold drink in hand and soak up water views and balmy breezes at Skeetas Waterfront Restaurant on Foreshore Drive in Geraldton. This family-owned and operated venue has been serving fine food and wine for more than 30 years from its absolute waterfront location, where guests can watch boats glide by on the azure blue sea, while relaxing on a large alfresco deck.

 

From an all-day menu, perhaps order crispy squid with tangy lemon mascarpone to start, or fish tacos with Mexican charred corn salsa and sriracha mayo; for the main affair, enjoy King prawn risotto, sautéed garlic, wine, citrus and Parmesan, or red Thai seafood curry, with fish, scallops, prawns and vermicelli noodles.

Attention to detail and a passion for Italian culture are the hallmarks behind Caffe e Cucina on trendy Chapel Street in South Yarra. A standout on the Melbourne restaurant scene since 1988, small tables, dim lights and high-end service are only part of Caffe E Cucina's charm, as guests are greeted with freshly baked bread on arrival while top-quality olive oil is never far from the table.

 

Pastel walls adorned with framed prints of Italian cities and drinks set the mood for dining from an extensive menu, perhaps starting with pan-seared scallops wrapped in pancetta, served with pumpkin cream; linguine with King prawns, calamari, mussels, clams, scallops, garlic, chilli and tomato, baked in parchment paper is sure to tempt for the main.