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Dante Ristorante Italiano

places|nsw|leichhardt|dante%20ristorante%20italiano
Showing Roman murals of the Italian countryside and sandstone walls this restaurant creates a feeling of warmth and an atmosphere you can't help but enjoy.

Editorial


The Italian Forum, however contrived it might feel to some, has a few charms, and an atmosphere you can't help but enjoy. All the restaurants have their menus out for inspection, each one vying to tempt passers-by inside, and while some of the restaurant managers hover dangerously close to spruiking, the charms of the staff are a break from the sameness of the menus.

 

Dante tries to be a little different, bridging the gap between the glam new places and the traditional establishments with an eclectic mix of decor. Happily, it avoids tackiness and is quite an attractive space, with warm colours and lighting, framed vintage liquor ads on the walls and faux-marble tables on the piazza. The service, too, is exceptional and locals and visitors alike warm to the old-school hospitality of the staff.

The food also goes the extra mile, with a large menu blending traditional favourites with a few mod Oz interpretations. Begin with the tuna carpaccio with avocado, coriander and spiced gazpacho dressing, or warm salad of duck breast with white balsamic, walnuts and baby cress leaves. Excellent handmade pasta dishes include linguini with Balmain bugs, and there are good main dishes like pork belly confit with apple and pear compote, red cabbage and potato crush. The smallish wine list offers a few affordable Italian selections.


Fiona Davies, April 2006

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