Came for dinner around 6.30 pm on a weekday, the restaurant side was already full (no booking service), moved to the cafe side which was more quiet (in the beginning). Calamari is always great as entree. Waiters are helpful and explained everything on the blackboard to us. Good selection of wines. Most main dishes are very 'no frill' (doesn't come with vegies). Serve is small but very tasty. No sure whether we will be back for dinner, may be for afternoon tea next time.
Take this place for what it is, a great inner city bistro. I love that the menus are in Italian, it means the waiters spend some time with you talking you through it and you just pick the one that sounds the best, rather than spending ages pouring over a menu trying to decide what reads the best.
They are always busy and yes, sometimes the wait is long, but you shouldn't come to this place unless you're ready for a nice relaxed meal. They always remember us, and what we have. This has to be my favourite restaurant to go to every week, in fact I think I could eat here everyday!
We went for brunch on a Sunday. Although it looked very packed inside, we still managed to secure a table for 3 plus a stroller. As they didn't have high chairs, I noticed that larger prams had to sit outside.
Once seated, although there were at least 4 or 5 waiters, it was a bit difficult to get their attention initially. Also, without knowledge of Italian, it can be tough working out what was written on the blackboard menu. However, once we got started, the service improved markedly.
The coffee was very good (so good we had to order a couple to go as well). Their freshly squeezed orange/blood orange juice was delicious also. Their breakfast menu was small but very yummy although portions were a little on the small side.
Another plus was that even though it was a Sunday, they didn't charge the 10% weekend surcharge like other places. Overall, would definitely recommend it!
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hungry hungry hippo hippo -
See my reviews 1, 04 August 2008
Went here few days ago over lunch and I love it!! the pasta were fresh, the taste was very delicious! I know portion size was a little bit on the small side, but still it is an amazing taste!!! the waiters are all friendly and nice, I love the decor how they put the menu in the wall in Italian! not to mention the ambience ! even the long wait makes it perfect! Definitely a local gem!!will definitely come back.
Why people rave about cramped uncomfortable seats in tight spaces escapes me. Food a bit hit and miss in both quality and value. Good service - pity about the long wait.
We love coming here for breakfast, it's a special treat on the weekend. The chalkboard menu is unique and inspired, the pastries are to die for. I have never been disappointed. It's a joy eating there, service always friendly. Love the people watching too.
This cafe is pretty good, a little pricey but the food is good. There is usually a wait over the weekend which would discourage some. But the place is very traditional with a lot of Italian waiters (which I like). The calamari was good as usual.
(Note - waiters there are very up and down, sometimes they are very happy and friendly sometimes not....)