With a kitchen helmed by Alessandro Pavoni (Ormeggio at the Spit, Sotto Sopra, Chiosco) and Angelo Malerba (Otto Ristorante, Sir Stamford, Vanto), there’s little doubt of the fine pedigree present at this North Shore trattoria. They’re not dealing in complicated, fussy food here – rather, it’s all about simple, classic flavours, drawing on regional specialties from Northern Italy using locally sourced produce. Menus are updated daily with dishes such as albacore tuna carpaccio with charred cos lettuce and bagna cauda (anchovy puree) and ricotta-filled tortelli with apple, sage and burnt butter, as well as hearty favourites like the slow-cooked lamb shoulder and busiate marinara pasta. Diners are welcome to BYO wine, although they’ll be well looked after regardless with an extensive all-Italian wine list that highlights many regional varietals and organic drops.
Finish the meal the Italian way, with a digestif and dessert. The specialty here is the ‘barbajada’ – a tribute to the Milanese hot drink, involving a creamy Amedei chocolate and coffee blancmange dressed with sticky caramel, vanilla gelato and crushed hazelnuts.
