Dilano's Risotto Pasta Bar — Restaurant in Adelaide

An experience at Dilano's Risotto Pasta Bar is nothing short of incredible. I honestly can’t decide what’s better—the food or the service.

Dilano's Risotto Pasta Bar strikes the perfect balance between cozy and spacious. It’s just the right size—intimate enough to feel welcoming and personal, yet large enough to accommodate a lively atmosphere without feeling cramped. The setting is incredibly comfortable, creating an environment where you can truly relax and enjoy your meal. To the right as you enter, you’ll find a beautiful mural designed by Johnny’s son in honour of Johnny’s late sister, who loved Singaporean orchid flowers.

The food is spectacular—no other words are needed. The flavours blend together immaculately, regardless of which dish you choose. The creativity with flavours is obvious, with every bite offering a burst of taste that is neither overpowering nor overwhelming. Our personal favourites were the Gorgonzola and Old School dishes. Through our conversation with Johnny, we learned that ingredients are sourced locally (which is reflected in the freshness of the dishes) with Johnny picking them up himself.

Caitlin exemplifies professionalism and kindness, going above and beyond in her work. Her attentiveness and recommendations are consistently impressive. A restaurant is only as good as the people who run it, and Caitlin truly enhances the experience.

Dilano’s is Johnny’s heart and soul. His passion for his craft is evident throughout the restaurant. It was lovely when Johnny came by our table for a casual chat—nothing felt forced or awkward; it was genuine and natural. As both the owner and chef, Johnny demands nothing but the best, and this restaurant is truly his magnum opus.

Every detail at Dilano’s has meaning, from the purple lights hanging from the ceiling to the labels on the wine glasses. As much as we’d love to keep Dilano’s a secret to ensure we can always get a seat, it is a must-try...

Dilano's Risotto and Pasta Bar, nestled in Newton, Adelaide, offers an authentic Italian dining experience that combines traditional flavors with a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. Established by Chef Johnny Raslan, who brings over 40 years of culinary expertise—including 13 years at Amalfi's and roles as Executive Chef in high-end international restaurants—the venue reflects his passion for excellence. ​

Ambiance and Service

The restaurant's interior is thoughtfully adorned in purple tones, honoring Johnny's late sister Yvonne, whose favorite color was purple. This personal touch adds a unique charm to the setting. The team, led by Johnny and his son Dylan, fosters a welcoming environment where patrons feel like part of the family. ​

Dilano's menu showcases a variety of Italian dishes, emphasizing risotto and pasta

Sautéed Mushrooms with Garlic, Basil, and Walnuts: A comforting starter that warms the palate. ​ Polenta ala Ragu: Creamy polenta topped with a rich, homemade ragu, sparking memorable conversations among diners. ​

Melodia Di Funghi: A harmonious blend of king oysters, porcini, and field mushrooms infused with truffle oil and cream, delivering an explosion of flavors. ​ Gourmet Pasta Plates: Dishes like linguine with blue swimmer crab, Spanish onion, chili, and rosetta sugo exemplify the kitchen's dedication to fresh, high-quality ingredients. ​

Dessert

Concluding the meal with Johnny's signature tiramisu is a must. Elegantly layered, it offers a rich yet light finish, balancing subtle sweetness with traditional Italian flavors. ​

Conclusion

Dilano's Risotto and Pasta Bar stands as a testament to Chef Johnny Raslan's dedication to authentic Italian cuisine and familial warmth. Its cozy ambiance, attentive service, and delectable dishes ensure a memorable dining experience that encourages...

I went to Dilano’s with high expectations after reading several positive reviews. Unfortunately, the experience fell short in several ways.

Food Quality

The food was of high quality when it finally arrived. However, we waited over 60 minutes for our entrée to be served. During this time, no staff member explained the delay until around the hour mark, when one of the waitresses mentioned it was about 5-10 minutes away.

This lack of communication was particularly frustrating as we had an 8-month-old baby and two heavily pregnant women in our group. To make matters worse, other tables who arrived and ordered after us received their food well before we did.

While there might have been some confusion, better communication from the staff would have been appreciated.

High Chairs

The high chairs, though aesthetically pleasing and matching the décor, were not practical. They lacked tables to place food on and the straps could not be tightened. It would be beneficial for Dilano’s to consider purchasing more functional high chairs.

Billing Issues

Adding to the disappointment, we discovered that we had been overcharged for drinks compared to the prices listed on the menu. Our bill came to just shy of $250 for four people, which felt excessive given the issues we encountered.

Summary

While the food at Dilano’s was good, the overall experience was poor. The long wait time, lack of communication, impractical high chairs, and billing discrepancies overshadowed the quality...