Cala Luna

Warmer weather prompted a drive to the Northern Beaches, and on the way we punctuated the drive with a well-priced, accessible Italian lunch at Michel Rossetti’s restaurant, just south of the Spit Bridge. Vertical integration sees great farm-fresh, seasonal produce (from his father’s Southern Highlands farm) presented in dishes like Prawn, Scallop and Whitebait Fritters ($19) on roquette; and Balmain Bugs with Fusilli ($21/$29) and a creamy base, augmented with garlic, a touch of chilli, fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes. The Darling Downs beef impressed in our hard-working waitress’s recommendation of Carpaccio di Manzo ($15.90), as did the lovely wild figs, and gentle gorgonzola accompanying it. The same cheese impressed in the Gorgonzola Panna Cotta ($13.90) served with a peach braised in red wine. My wow moment was surprisingly in a side of Spinach, Pine Nut and Goat’s Cheese Salad ($7) – crisp, creamy and well dressed with vinegar and honey. The wine list is well priced, particularly the 1997 Penfolds Yattarna (White Grange) Chardonnay ($110/bottle); however my beer budget saw me drinking the Italian 2007 Rapido Pinot Grigio ($9/glass, $35/bottle). It’s a lovely drop that suits the fresh emphasis of the menu. Segafredo coffee is well made and suits an Affogato ($14.50).

Cala Luna
235 Spit Road, Mosman
Ph: (02) 9968 2426
Italian $$$