La Sala

As I examined the menu in this visually appealing setting, my eyes wandered upwards to the prep kitchen where a man was diligently rolling fresh pasta ‘ bodes well doesn’t it’ My attention was then caught by the vibrant, knowledgeable hostess Marie Fournel, tempting me with a plate of air-freighted French mushrooms. They’re running a Wild Mushroom and Summer Truffle Menu for the next 6-8 weeks. This restaurant is all about seasonality and fresh produce ‘ there were even fennel bulbs, herbs and pumpkin in various places around the restaurant. To begin, I’d suggest the Wild Asparagus, Fried Organic Truffled Duck Egg and Fresh Summer Truffles ($38). Don’t fall in love with the divine wild asparagus ‘ I hear it’s impossible to buy here! The pasta, in my case, Pappardelle with girolles, mousseron, garlic and parsley ($38) was simply divine; the best I have tried in Sydney ‘ silky smooth on the tongue, perfectly cooked, with a rich egg flavour. The Wagyu was served delightfully well caramelized; and the Tiramisu ($15) is also a revelation ‘ perfectly balanced and complemented by sharp stewed rhubarb. Yes, it’s expensive, but Ruben Martinez really excels in the kitchen with Italianate dishes (and a welcome slurp of French influence).

La Sala
Ground Floor, 23 Foster Street, Surry Hills
Ph: (02) 9281 9034
Italian $$$$