Grappa

Returning to Grappa after a long absence was an unexpected delight. The food was better than ever, the menu prices hadn’t risen and there were some good bargains to be found amongst the extensive wine list. Service was geared towards aiding diners to share dishes like the excellent Grilled Half-Shell Queensland Scallops with Leek and Chilli ($26). The Sydney Rock Oysters with Red Wine Vinaigrette ($21/half dozen) were truly outstanding ‘ they came from Port Stephens. The Yellow Fin Tuna Carpaccio ($26) showed a deft hand with soy sauce; while the Pear, Fennel, Blood Orange, Walnut and Pecorino Toscano Salad ($17.50) showed innovation, imagination and it’s something I’ll definitely try to reproduce at home! House-made pasta like the excellent Lobster Agnolotti with Leek and Nut Brown Butter ($24.50/entrée, $29.50/main) capped off a wonderful meal. Plus I left so much of the updated menu unexplored I’m already fantasizing about a return visit. Only some attention to detail in service and having to practically leave the restaurant for office block bathrooms stand in the way of them rising back to the level of a hatted restaurant ‘ but what’s a hat when you get great food in a vast and friendly restaurant geared towards large groups and celebratory dinners’

Grappa
Shop 1, 267-277 Norton Street, Leichhardt
Ph: (02) 9560 6090
Italian $$$$