Only in Italy can there be a free wine fountain! Did you know the small town of Caldari di Ortona is home to a free wine fountain, which in non-pandemic times flows 24 hours a day with locally grown red wine?
What better way to celebrate Festa Della Repubblica – Italy’s National day on Thursday, June 2? This holiday is similar to Independence Day in the US and marks the official formation of the Republic of Italy after World War II.
Here are five of our favourite restaurants to say buon appetito to independence:
Offering traditional Italian dining and an exclusive vibe, I Maccheroni on Jersey Road in Woollahra draws visitors from near and far to enjoy an authentically styled experience. Charming rusticity abounds inside with timber furniture, walls accented with navy cushioned seating and dark racks overflowing with an extensive selection of wines.
Say ciao to the perfect share plate to celebrate on Thursday with melt-in-the-mouth lamb shoulder, chat potatoes and Brussel sprouts; best enjoyed with a glass of Italian red such as Montepulciano - Abruzzo.
Perfect share plates await at I Maccheroni such as lamb shoulder, potatoes and sprouts.
Those seeking delicious vegan Italian fare in Newcastle head along Maitland Road in Islington to find Pino’s. Exuding an urban street-art style vibe with a pink tiled bar, exposed brick walls, potted greenery and great alfresco dining streetside, Pino’s is a well-loved local hangout for pasta and conversation over a glass of vino.
Drop in on Thursday and delve into sweetcorn and saffron arancini, pickled peppers and aioli to start, before gnocchi pumpkin alfredo, potato pangritata, puttanesca and olive crumble; finish decadently with tiramisu.
Vegan Italian fare with flair is on the menu at Pino’s in Newcastle.
Country meets the city at rustic Italian restaurant Fondata 1872 on Eltham-Yarra Glen Road in Kangaroo Ground. Nestled at the gateway to the Yarra Valley and steeped in history, Fondata is also a corporate conference and wedding venue, as well as the ideal meeting place to celebrate all occasions.
From a tantalising Autumn menu, perhaps opt for housemade orecchiette with braised leeks, Swiss mushrooms, BBQ onion and sunflower seeds; or roasted pork belly, caramelised pear, roasted fennel, black confit garlic crème fraiche and pear cider jus.
Tantalising Autumn dishes tempt diners at Fondata 1872 in Yarra Valley.
For a taste of regional Italian flavours, organise to meet friends at Al Taglio restaurant on Thursday, a Surry Hills establishment located on Albion Street. Filled with a lively buzz, a modern open plan interior draws a sleek crowd of Sydneysiders, while a relaxed outdoor setting is well suited to kicking back over after-work drinks through balmy evenings.
Think pizza slices like Gustosa – zucchini purée base, organic smoked ham, goats’ cheese cream, toasted almonds and mint oil – or pasta plates like casarecce, with saffron zucchini purée, pork sausage and pecorino.
Pizza and pasta to celebrate Italy’s national day can be found at Al Taglio.
Whether it's drinks after work, a long lunch, or an intimate dinner, Zephyr Kitchen & Bar on Gold Coast Highway in Mermaid Beach welcomes you with a relaxed vibe and a touch of elegance. After dark, tune your senses as the environment transforms into a dimmed lounge, perfect for exquisite cocktails and delicious eats; graze your way through a variety of authentic Italian dishes, matched with a curated wine list.
Perhaps Nonna’s lasagne hits the mark, with onion, cheese, beef, tomatoes, garlic and Parmesan, served with salad; or indulge pizza cravings with chilli prawns, on a tomato base, with mozzarella, chilli, coriander, shallots, garlic and lime.
Start your meal at Zephyr Kitchen & Bar with truffle-infused mushroom arancini.
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