I recently had the pleasure of dining at an Italy & Co - Italian restaurant in Moonee Ponds, and I must say it was an absolutely delightful experience. From the moment I walked in, I could tell that this was a place that took its Roman Italian cuisine seriously.
The standout dish of the evening had to be the handmade gnocchi, a true culinary masterpiece. These delicate clouds of pasta practically dissolved on my palate, and their ethereal texture was simply enchanting. The sauce that adorned them was an exquisite combination of Porcini Mushroom & Black Truffle Cream, infusing each bite with an explosion of earthy and luxurious flavours. This handcrafted sauces served with the gnocchi was a symphony of richness and savory perfection, with tender mushrooms that showcased the culinary expertise invested in this dish. It was evident that the chef had poured their heart and soul into creating this gastronomic delight.
I also had the pleasure of trying their pappardelle pasta, which was equally impressive. The pasta was cooked to perfection, and the sauce was so flavourful and aromatic. Each bite was a taste of Italy, and I couldn't get enough of it.
Now, let's talk about the pizza. The crust was, without a doubt, the best I've ever had. It was thin and crispy on the outside, yet wonderfully soft and chewy on the inside. The toppings were fresh and delicious, making it one of the most memorable pizzas I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying.
And last but certainly not least, dessert. The pistachio tiramisu was a revelation. It had the perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, and it was a delightful way to end the meal. It was clear that the attention to detail that went into the savory dishes extended to the desserts as well.
Overall, I can't say enough good things about this Italian restaurant in Melbourne. The authentic flavours, the handmade pasta, the outstanding pizza crust, and the delectable desserts all combined to create a dining experience that I will not soon forget. I've been recommending this place to all my friends and family as the most authentic Italian restaurant I've had the pleasure of visiting in Melbourne. If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, this place is an...
Read moreAfter years of visits to Italian restaurants, this is the most exquisite establishment in which I’ve eaten. I’ve had a number antipasto and main dishes here and they are all wonderful. You can sense the chef’s efforts in selecting specific ingredients to her standards, food is well-prepared and very flavourful, and I’ve never had gnocchi so delicate, with sauce that matches it so perfectly. Desserts which are homemade just as the meals are, were also lovely. It’s also the first time in years that the chef has come out at the end of the night to greet customers - she was a lovely character with very obvious passion for what she serves. I’m thoroughly impressed by this restaurant. There are not that many Italian restaurants left with Italian chefs, serving proper food from the old country, and of the few remaining in Melbourne, this one stands...
Read moreFor the many of us in Moonee Ponds lamenting the closure of the much loved Giuseppe’s (Sicilian) I am delighted to say that we may have discovered it’s natural replacement. Truly authentic home cooked rustic Italian food (Roman) by chef Marina and her family in a clean lined and unpretentious dining room. Home made bread with anchovy butter or rosemary infused olive oil was complimentary (yeah!) we also ordered a fresh fennel, orange and dried olive salad for starters which was excellent. Shared plates of home made gnocchi, carbonara with pork cheek plus a veal dish were also yummy. We didn’t need them but the home made profiteroles (as are all their deserts) were truly delicious as was the coffee. $150 for 3 of us with a bottle of wine. Excellent value and would also be great for a...
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