PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAWith the atmosphere of a trendy cafe and a bistro-style interior, the multiple Good Food Guide Regional Hats hanging on the wall seem innocuous in the humble yet fresh Artespresso. The polish of the prestigious award doesn't extend to give the restaurant a fine dining character and the slow and bumbling service doesn't do it any favours either. However, whether it's for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, the food does speak for itself as does the extensive experience of both the owners and the chef (of Darlinghurst's Fish Face and Rose Bay's Pier).
With the fresh seasonal menu which predominantly focuses on seafood, leave your vegetarian friends at the door as currently there are only two options for our leafy companions. The Artespresso pie is a permanent fixture on the menu and changes with the time of year; it's currently blue eye cod, prawn and scallop with champagne cream. For the carnivores at heart, try the crispy pork belly with apple, chilli and muscovado glaze, or the succulent Muscovy duck breast with port jus. For an entree, jump for the exquisite salad of figs and buffalo mozzarella with prosciutto and aged balsamic dressing, or the adventurous scallop carpaccio with red radish, capers and lemon. The wine list is extensive and well rounded having been superbly selected to complement the menu. Finish your meal with a satisfied grin and a vanilla pannacotta and perhaps some excellent cheeses.
Russell Buzby, August 2008