Cafe Alfonso
Editorial
Alfonso’s has been building up a loyal band of followers for four years now. Tucked into the gastronomic Hutt Street strip, it rings no bells and blows no whistles; lacking the media-hungry appetite displayed by some of its contemporaries. The locals love it and know they can walk from their south-east-corner-of-the-city homes and be greeted with a warming coffee and smile from any one of the Alfonso “family” – chirpy manager Mellissa Buttery, Nino Castello, his parents, wife and two little ones. On occasion you may hear the latter squealing with delight, their good set of lungs no doubt inherited from Nino’s dad who is known to serenade passers-by between his bouts in the kitchen. Or perhaps from Nino’s mum who is equally fond of chatting to the customers.
In-between charming their patrons, this family, descended upon our shores from the Amalfi Coast, also delights in filling their guests’ plates with a-la-minute cooked dishes – think slow-cooked sauces and specials of rabbit and tripe. The Castellos want you to feel like you are eating at nonna’s house – there are no rules. Pastas can be sans gluten if desired. For a meal you won’t regret try the fettucine cavaiola (minced Italian sausage, broccoli, porcini, fennel seeds, chilli, walnuts and pecorino cheese swooshed in EV olive oil) or the penne albicocca (chicken, pancetta, apricots and mushrooms in a brandy cream sauce). Just one word of warning: if you choose to eat your tripe in Alfonso’s generous outdoor canopy, you may find it lacks the personality of its staff and the quaintness of its indoor dining room. But don’t worry, the flavours and little personal touches will never let you forget where you really are.
Roz Taylor, September 2009
User Feedback
GC
May 19, 2009
One of the famous spot at Hutt St? First place to visit upon getting off the plane at about 9ish in the morning. Nice place, nice breakfast. Love the continental brekky and the benedict.
Easy Travel
August 16, 2010
A very smart and diplomatic answer. It’s really appreciable and general. ==================================== <a href="http://easytravelclub.com " rel="dofollow">Easy Travel </a>
Paul
October 08, 2010
Sometimes a little slow on service but the food is plentiful, fresh and tasty. One of the better places for coffee. Not as noisy as most.
Katherine
March 05, 2011
The best Whitebait and Agnello in town. Delicious food, friendly staff - what more could you want?
David
March 05, 2011
Alfie's is tops with everyone in our family. Food is ample and tastes wonderful.
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