PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAWith a French name and a shopping centre location, you’ll be forgiven for not guessing that Le Rendezvous is one of Canberra’s landmark pizzerias. Established in 1964, this little restaurant with a big heart has been around as long as Lake Burley Griffin. While it can get quite crowded and noisy, the service is consistently friendly and prompt. Come on Thursdays for live music, or take advantage of the daily lunch deal, which offers pizza or pasta with a glass of wine for $13.50.
The house speciality is pizza, with a combination of traditional Italian toppings such as Margarita, Aussie favourites like Hawaiian and more adult choices like the prosciutto with sundried tomatoes, olives, eggplant and artichokes. It’s pizza as it should be – understated yet flavourful with a thin and crispy crust. Order the crowd-pleasing quattro with four toppings (Hawaiian, special, napolitana and American) for the family or take advantage of their excellent kids meal deal which includes a drink, chips, pizza or pasta, and ice-cream all for under $15. For something different, try the saltimbocca alla Romana with veal or chicken and prosciutto or the tasty pasta puttanesca. End your meal with some award-winning pistachio gelato or indulge in the sticky date cake.
Russell Buzby, September 2008