We recently dined at Baby Pizza, and I must say it was a rather eventful evening. We visited on World Pasta Day, and the restaurant was abuzz with activity. Surprisingly, it appeared busier than our previous visit.

We were seated at the bar, which was rather cozy. We were anticipating some interaction or perhaps a culinary show between the chefs behind the counter and the patrons, but, unfortunately, there was a noticeable lack of such engagement. It would be a nice touch if the chefs working on the pasta could entertain the patrons at the bar, while the salad and pizza chefs could work more discreetly.

When it comes to the service, our experience was a mix. The receptionist was exceptionally welcoming, setting a positive tone for our meal. However, there's room for improvement in the service department.

The waitresses, in particular, seemed to need more training as they occasionally banged dishes in front of us. A more graceful approach could significantly enhance the overall dining experience.

We also encountered a somewhat peculiar situation when we ordered wine by the glass, but one waitress suggested we should have a full bottle instead. It felt as though asking for a pint of beer resulted in a recommendation to order the whole barrel, which was a bit pushy.

Additionally, one of the waitresses was persistently seeking feedback on our food while we were still dining. We politely requested that she allow us to complete our meal before discussing the food further.

The evening started on a high note with a beautiful glass of Shiraz from the Heathcote region, setting the tone for a delightful meal.

For our entree, we ordered the Crudo do Tonno, a dish featuring Yellow Fin Tuna crudo with chili, capers, and lemon oil. Unfortunately, the dish didn't quite meet our expectations. It seemed to lack the zesty touch of lime or lemon that could have balanced the fishy scent. The flavors weren't as harmoniously infused as we've experienced with other crudo or ceviche dishes at different restaurants. This aspect led to a deduction in our overall rating.

Moving on to the mains, the Duck Ragu served with tagliatelle stood out as probably the best dish of the evening. The rich flavors and perfectly cooked duck ragu made this dish a highlight. We also tried the Calamarata al gamberi, featuring calamarata pasta with prawns, tomatoes, and chili. The sauce was superb, but the pasta was undercooked. Both dishes were thoughtfully presented.

Our choice of a side dish was Brussels sprouts with Cabo Lo Nero, lemon, and mint. While the taste was delightful, the presentation left much to be desired, as it was described as "ugly." There is a clear opportunity for the restaurant to enhance the presentation of this dish to match its delicious taste.

The evening concluded with a flat white and tiramisu, providing a fitting end to our dining experience.

In summary, Baby Pizza offers a vibrant atmosphere and some commendable dishes, with the Duck Ragu standing out. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in service and dish execution. While the entree missed the mark, and the side dish's presentation could be enhanced, it was an enjoyable dining experience overall.