Three brothers, Salvatore Maurizio and Gianluca D'Alterio bring a dream and traditional Italian fare to the Balmain peninsula. The name of the restaurant and the start of the dream comes from their mother Maria who was a pastry chef on the island of Ischia. Start with Parma prosciutto and Italian buffalo mozzarella, a Caprese salad or Parigiana de Melenzane (layered eggplant, tomato sauce, basil, mozzarella and parmesan cheese). From the pastas try the marvellous house-made potato gnocchi or Chef Salvatore D'Alterio seafood special pasta or risotto. Mains are substantial: Rabbit cooked in terracotta, the famous seafood casserole Il Cala Cala, and chicken with capsicum and olives with tomato "a recipe from my angle mamma" are just some of the choices. The service is main size too. It's so attentive and gloriously happy you won't be able to help but smile. You might even want to sing. Make sure to leave room for cake. Desserts are sensational.
| 191 Darling Street, | |
| Balmain East | |
| +61 2 9818 8841 |