elisa mets rinas made me feel like I was back in Italy.
this is a home-style italian trattoria serving up seasonal, traditional dishes sourced from the most impressive local suppliers (think the chef’s dad’s garden and western port bay fish caught the day prior).
it feels immedately cosy, welcoming and warm. you’ll be greeted by joyous and passionate waitstaff who will do their absolute best to make sure you enjoy every moment of your visit.
you won’t be given a menu, but rather told to simply trust the chef will bring you a delicious 4 course (alternatively - you can leave a note on your booking of a preferred main you might prefer, the table next to us had duck).
they tailored their cocktails just to our liking. how cute is that mini campari!?
we were welcomed with a spread of antipasti - housemade crusty bread, cured meat, peppers and white bean, mussels on a prickly pear sugo, and beautifully fried zucchini.
second course, came the bone marrow casarecce. rich and fatty but not at all heavy. the pasta had the most perfect grainy bite.
we filled up on with fresh, lightly fried flathead, paired with an eggplant caponata and the most HEAVENLY potatoes I have ever put into my mouth. i don’t think I can ever enjoy another potato. not unless its cooked three times and salted like this. WOW.
lastly, a crunchy bite of zesty ricotta canoli and a generous housemate limoncello (on the house - that’s rare in melb!).
at $75pp, I thought this was quite fulfilling. we felt welcomed into Zia’s home here and left with very satisfied bellies and hearts.
5 /5