Basilico — Restaurant in Melbourne

I visited this Italian restaurant that left me truly satisfied and craving for more. Ragu Pappardelle, located in the heart of the city, offers a delightful culinary experience with their authentic Italian cuisine. During my visit, I had the opportunity to sample their Ragu Pappardelle, Kids Pasta, and Tiramisu, and I must say, each dish exceeded my expectations.

Let's start with the star of the show - the Ragu Pappardelle. As a lover of pasta, I am always on the lookout for dishes that capture the essence of Italian flavors. The Ragu Pappardelle at Ragu Pappardelle does just that. The wide, silky ribbons of pappardelle pasta were perfectly cooked to al dente, and the rich ragu sauce was a symphony of flavors. The slow-cooked meat, tender and flavorful, combined with the robust tomato base, creating a harmonious blend that was both hearty and comforting. The dish was garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adding a touch of nuttiness. Each bite was a delightful journey through the rustic Italian countryside. I would highly recommend the Ragu Pappardelle to any pasta enthusiast.

Next up is the Kids Pasta, a dish designed to please the younger diners. As a parent, it's important to find a restaurant that caters to the tastes of children. The Kids Pasta at Ragu Pappardelle did not disappoint. The portion size was generous, and the pasta was cooked to perfection. The simple tomato sauce was mild and kid-friendly, while still maintaining the authenticity of Italian flavors. The dish was served with a choice of meatballs or grilled chicken, which added a protein element. The Kids Pasta at Ragu Pappardelle strikes the right balance between appealing to children's preferences and introducing them to quality Italian cuisine.

To end my meal on a sweet note, I indulged in their Tiramisu. Tiramisu is a classic Italian dessert that requires finesse and balance in its preparation. Ragu Pappardelle's version did not disappoint. Layered with delicate ladyfingers soaked in espresso and liquor, and interspersed with creamy mascarpone cheese, the Tiramisu was a velvety delight. The dessert had the perfect balance of sweetness and the bitterness of the coffee, creating a harmonious contrast of flavors. It was beautifully presented, with a dusting of cocoa powder on top and a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Ragu Pappardelle's Tiramisu was the perfect ending to a memorable meal.

In addition to the outstanding food, the restaurant itself had a warm and welcoming ambiance. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, providing excellent service throughout my visit. The menu offered a variety of other Italian specialties, giving me a reason to return and explore more of their culinary offerings.

Overall, my experience at Ragu Pappardelle was exceptional. The Ragu Pappardelle, Kids Pasta, and Tiramisu were all executed with precision, showcasing the chef's commitment to quality and authenticity. Whether you're a pasta lover or a fan of classic Italian desserts, Ragu Pappardelle is a must-visit restaurant that promises to deliver an unforgettable...

Stepping into this restaurant on a Saturday evening at around 6:15 PM was a delight. The ambiance was charming, with a lively open kitchen and well-thought-out table arrangements that created a welcoming atmosphere. The decision to dine here was spontaneous, spurred by a Google search indicating the restaurant was a mere 230 meters from our parked car. Despite not having a reservation, we were promptly seated at a two-person table, already set with a bottle of water.

Culinary Experience

The food was undoubtedly the highlight of our visit. We ordered Arancini, Risotto Frutti Di Mare, and Ortolana. The Risotto Frutti Di Mare was exquisite, featuring fresh seafood that elevated the dish. The Ortolana pizza, a vegetarian option with a thin crust and generous toppings of goat cheese and vegetables, was equally impressive. However, it was the Arancini that truly stood out—each bite was bursting with flavor, leaving me craving more.

Service Quality

Regrettably, the service did not match the quality of the food or ambiance. After being seated, it took 13 minutes for a staff member to attend to us and take our order, even after I specifically requested two glasses. Our server then changed mid-service, which seemed unusual. While I initially thought this might be a standard practice, it became evident that other tables were receiving more attentive service. The restaurant owner personally attended to a nearby family of eight, engaging in friendly conversation and making recommendations—a level of service we did not experience.

When it came time to settle the bill, our dissatisfaction with the service was further compounded. Despite requesting the bill from a staff member clearing our table, we waited another five minutes before deciding to approach the counter ourselves to pay.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this restaurant offers an exceptional culinary experience with its delicious dishes and delightful ambiance. However, the subpar service significantly detracted from our overall experience. While I hope the restaurant addresses these service issues, I am more likely to dine elsewhere in the CBD where I can expect better customer care. Thank you for taking the time to read...

Pay close attention to the lower ratings here, they are the real reviews. It appears the restaurant is quick to discredit any real reviews. I ordered a takeaway of 2 pizzas and 1 pasta. The restaurant did not provide the pizza to my driver, and instead blamed her. Absolutely no responsibility or accountability....not their fault and thats it! I have recorded the telephone call I had with the restaurant in case they wish to dispute this honest review....just appaling service. The pasta that did arrive was a very very basic spaghetti cabonara which was basically an overly buttery, overcooked and overly salted sauce...a very basic pasta which was not nice at all. Oh, and they would not refund my money for the 2 pizzas they never provided nor have them delivered....appalling service! They made the error, but were unwilling to remedy it. Insane way to run a business...never would I dine here or order takeaway again and would recommend the italian restaurant across the road which is more authentic and has actual service...