‘Mangiasti?’ (Have you eaten?) is a simple question that speaks volumes for Italian households all over the world. For restaurant co-owner Davide, it recalls memories of ‘nonna’ Francesca cooking over her fireplace with delicious aromas filling the house. How can you say no?
Sydney Scoop sure couldn’t say no when we were invited to the Spring menu launch of the fittingly named restaurant ‘Mangiasti?’.
In a culture and legacy laid down by ‘nonna’ Francesca, Mangiasti celebrates the way food connects people and disconnects us from the outside distractions. Here at Mangiasti, what is on the plate is more than just a meal. The dishes play tribute to the rich history of Southern Italian food, a versatile cuisine with an abundance of different flavours and textures.
Mangiasti’s secret: "Enthusiastic eating is our secret, so loosen your belt and dig deep."
We were lucky enough to be seated right in front of the kitchen to see the chefs at work. While under the pump to deliver these gorgeous dishes, they were more than happy to chat about the restaurant and the elements of the dishes.
In true Italian hospitality we were stuffed with food and wine from a dazzling sample menu, starting with olives and roasted nuts and a pink grapefruit spritz. For entrée, we enjoyed the Croquette Di Fetta, encrusted with sesame seeds and served with honey and a green apple salad. The combination was sweet, fresh and balanced the subtle saltiness of the cheese.
If you love seafood in your pasta, then you can’t leave without having the Linguine al Caroccio. The cherry tomatoes were juicy and aromatic from being slowly sautéed with the garlic. The star of the dish was the use of fresh local seafood including a generous serving of WA scampi. The ocean theme continued with a steamed cod served with fresh micro herbs. By this dish we were crawling from fullness but kept our strength as other co-owner George and head chef Mario cheered us on. We finished this special feast with a Rocher Semifreddo served with a profiterole on a bed of berry sauce. The richness of the chocolate worked in perfect harmony with the tartness of the berries.
We dined in a beautiful space, which blended the rustic and the modern with orange brick walls and grape vines cascading from the industrial inspired ceiling. ‘The busy chatter, the cobbled floors and the indoor plants climbing up on the walls, all remind me of my childhood’, said Davide. He warped us all through time and space to the streets of Italy, to nonna’s house which he fondly remembered as ’simple, cosy and full of atmosphere’.
This door to Italy is always open (except on Mondays and Tuesdays for some well-earned rest). Come taste the simplicity and witness the great finesse of Southern Italian cuisine. More importantly come share in the vision of two who were inspired by their culture and passion for food. We’d love to thank the head chef Mario and sous chef Giorgio who served us with expertise and a sprinkle of wittiness.
Mangiasti?Mangiasti?Mangiasti?
15 Babbage Road, Roseville
Wednesday – Thursday 5pm - 9.30pm
Friday – Saturday midday - 3pm, 5pm - 9.30pm
Sunday midday – 9.30pm