
Olio Mediterranean Brasserie
Nestled in the gastronomic desert of Oporto, the arches and Indian Tucker, this warm brown part-bistro, part-trattoria is well placed for folk exiting St. Leonards Station. Their wine list really kicks goals, with a Central Otago Mt. Difficulty Riesling ($10/glass) impressing the most. A generous bowl of Cauliflower, Leek and Prosciutto Soup ($15) is an antidote to the cold; it’s accompanied by thick, grill-kissed sourdough and dominated slightly by truffle oil. Even better is the Crispy Pork Hock ($13.50), which sets a trio of tasty, salty, fatty squares of pig against shaved fennel, radicchio, ruby grapefruit and seared scallops. A well priced main of House-Made Potato Gnocchi ($19) with sautéed exotic mushrooms, spinach and Grana Padano was favoursome but spent a moment too long in the pot. An impressive-looking bowl of Olio Mediterranean Seafood Stew ($29) with Silver Dory, prawn, scallop, mussels and calamari made me long for amped heat – I like punishment though. Walnuts shone in a welcome salad of Rocket, Pear and Walnut ($7), but the real lure here is the rare Kopi Luwak ($9) coffee. It’s made from beans extracted from Asian Palm Civet droppings, and is very lightly roasted. It’s a smooth brew with a long and satisfying palate length.
Olio Mediterranean Brasserie
The Forum, 201-205 Pacific Hwy, St. Leonards
Ph: (02) 9439 8988 www.olio.com.au
Mediterranean $$-$$$