Da Gianni Trattoria
This warm and atmospheric space features a red back-lit bar, beige walls framed in dark timber and decorated with old Italian poster advertisements, and popular light Italian opera on the stereo. Co-owner Cinzia Spinazzola leads the somewhat shy floor team with confidence, genuine warmth and knowledge; recommending for us a delightful Italian wine ‘ the 2006 Vietti Roero Arneis DOC ($59) ‘ which complimented the food perfectly. The antipasto dishes felt a shade pricy, but were both delightful. The ‘proscuitto di parma’ ($19.50) served with a gorgonzola stuffed baked fig and walnuts was my favourite; but the Hervey Bay Scallops ‘crudo’ ($19.50) with shaved fennel, mandarin and saffron dressing was a close runner up. Veal Tortellini ($19/$26) with chestnut mushrooms, peas and parmesan cream sauce was perfectly al dente; but a serve of Potato Gnocchi ‘sorrrentina’ ($19/$26) was disappointingly overcooked, though the tomato sauce was superb. There was a pleasant rustic edge to the secondi of Roast Suckling Pig ($30) on a bed of cavolo nero and scattered with grappa soaked sour cherries; and my dessert of Olive Oil and Rosemary Cake with Braised Figs ($15) was both unusual and nicely presented.
Da Gianni Trattoria
127 Booth Street, Annandale
Ph: (02) 9660 6652
Italian $$$
