La Locanda

Unfortunately it took news of imminent closure to lead me here. An “institution in Bronte,” says our waitress Fleur, clearly devastated. “It’s being taken over by an Italian chef, but it won’t be the same.” To commemorate their final weeks they’re offering a complimentary glass of Prosecco on arrival (mention the ‘Goodbye Special’) and for the last two Saturdays (1st and 8th) they’ll serve a Degustation Menu ($75/5 courses, $95/with matched wines) of chef Andrea’s favourite dishes from the past eight years. I dined mid-week, scoring the last table in this cosy abode. One wall sports ornate Italian wallpaper; the other a blackboard menu – completely in Italian, I might add. After some translations from Fleur, I order the Antipasti Entrée ($15/head) of stuffed calamari, eggplant Parmigiana and vitello tonnato. If the new chef inherits the calamari dish, he’ll be laughing. Gnocchi ($25) with Gorgonzola sauce and walnuts, is deathly rich, and as decadent as the décor. In contrast, Fish of the Day ($30) (barramundi) served with chickpeas and pancetta, is fresh and wholesome. The Chocolate Mousse Cake ($15), well it’s so divine, you’d never let that secret out of the bag. So whilst Andrea isn’t revealing what he’ll do next, I might need to stalk him for dessert… Vale La Locanda.

La Locanda
65B Macpherson Street, Bronte
Ph: (02) 9389 3666 www.laloconda.com.au
Italian $$