Orso

Sink into the relaxed ambience of this bayside restaurant with a jigsaw puzzle marina view where pelicans paddle languidly past your table, their beady eyes the only giveaway of their hungry intent (courted by the restaurant feeding them). Softly played music is reminiscent of a Mediterranean day spa. The food is eye-catching and plating is clearly a strong suit of new Executive Chef Coop Woodside. See it best in entrees like the Summer Salad of Poached King Prawns ($27.50). My favourite main was the Western Australian Scampi ($57.50); but I also liked the delicacy of the Slow Poached Lobster Tail ($65) which let me appreciate the black caviar it was cleverly served with. It’s pricy, and serving sizes anticipate you eating three courses; however I saw this as a positive because their Dessert Degustation Plate ($32) was a highlight. They also do a dessert special called ‘La Dolce Vita’ ($29.50/head) on the water aboard the Orso Express, which I will return for! Despite the beautiful plates I found myself wishing for a little less restraint in the flavours. I put it down to this being a special occasion restaurant where the chef’s brief is to please a wide (read: conservative) audience. I look forward to seeing him given his head!

Orso
79 Parriwi Road, The Spit
Ph: (02) 9968 3555 
Modern Italian/Mediterranean $$$$