Carpaccio

I’m still simpering over an exceptional Strawberry Martini ($12), the creation of handsome Bar Manager Albertz Grippa. His magic ingredient, besides lovely strawberry gelato, gin, peach schnapps and mint, was balsamic vinegar. Giovanni Panetta is a congenial host; the service is outstanding; and over multiple visits I’ve eaten antipasti, primi, secondi, insalate, pizza and dolci – I’m yet to see a failure. The best of the current menu is the Ravioli of Roast Duck and Mushroom ($24/$29) served in a rich broth of pancetta, wild mushroom and broad bean ‘ savour the broth by skipping parmesan cheese in favour of good house-made bread. Fluffy, gentle Whitebait and Pumpkin Fritters ($18) on a radicchio, caper and orange salad impress, as does the wide selection of carpaccio. If you like big flavours I’d try the Aged Beef Carpaccio ($18) with warm blue cheese and caper sauce. For mains, a Roasted Duck Breast ($30) came with an excellent house-made pork and pistachio sausage and blood orange jus (though the accompanying cavalo nero packed a seriously hefty garlic punch); while the Seafood Chowder ($30) was brimming with perfectly cooked seafood. Plenty of al fresco tables with sufficient protection from the elements and noise of Norton Street make this restaurant very pertinent right now ‘ spring on in!

Carpaccio
Shop 8, 39-45 Norton St, Leichhardt
Ph: (02) 9550 9365
Modern Italian $$$