Bel Paese Ristorante
Editorial
It may come as a surprise to find this large Italian restaurant hidden away next to a call centre in the People Telecom House on Berry Street. Nevertheless, plenty of people, suit-and-tie lunchers and visiting dinner guests alike, have discovered the place and taken a liking to the hospitable service and well-executed, traditional fare. Opening out on to a manicured tropical garden complete with a miniature bridge spanning a trickling stream, it's a popular venue for wedding receptions. For daytime diners after something less formal, Bel Paese also has an adjoining cafe offering quick, casual fare.
Start with barbecued octopus marinated in lemon, oil, chilli and garlic with rocket salad, or the terrine of smoked trout, mackerel and salmon on a warm potato salad with salsa verde. Among the pasta options is a fantastic vegetarian ravioli of pumpkin, ginger and shallot with sage butter sauce. For meatier mains, try the beef rib-eye grilled with mushrooms and smoked roma tomatoes, or opt for lemon and milled pepper marinated barramundi fillets, served on a bed of baby spinach leaves. The wine list includes a selection of Italian grappas.
Fiona Davies, May 2006
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