Aperitivo
Image: Aperitivo time in Italy has been going on for much longer than the tapasisation of Sydney, so it’s strange that we don’t have more of it; but ooh-la-la have we got a fantastic intro here!
Aperitivo time in Italy has been going on for much longer than the tapasisation of Sydney, so it’s strange that we don’t have more of it; but ooh-la-la have we got a fantastic intro here! Small, modern Italian plates from Joe Cavallo (ex-Mezzaluna) show an extraordinary lightness of touch. He combines flavours seamlessly – Cappesante ($18.50) seared scallops wrapped in pancetta on celeriac puree with port wine jus prove my point. I’m going out on a limb here and declaring his Tonno ($19.50) of impeccably seared yellow fin tuna with watermelon, watercress and wasabi the taste of Sydney’s imminent summer. I don’t have room to dribble about his house-smoked Duck Breast Prosciutto ($15.50) if I am going to fit the Carne Di Cervo ($22) – venison, chocolate, blueberries – need I say more? Besides, I just had Sydney’s best Neapolitan style pizza! (Yes, it’s the review of big calls.) I bow to the skill of Francesco Spataro and his truffle paste (who knew?) masterpiece, the Tartufo ($21). I’d feel bad if I didn’t mention the owner Giuseppe Zagari is on the floor and oozes charm… so you’ll have to choose your own drinks. They’re great! Start with an Aperol Spritz ($12), it’s traditional; then leave yourself in Sydney Duckett’s (ex-Eleven) oh-so-capable hands.
Aperitivo
163 Norton Street, Leichhardt
Ph: (02) 9564 0003 www.aperitivo.com.au
Modern Italian/Bar Food/ Pizza $$$
