PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIALocated down the street from the hubbub of the main strip, Frattini has withstood the test of time by remaining a stalwart on the Leichhardt dining scene for almost 20 years. Family owned and run, the restaurant is decked out in a simple fashion; wood and tiled floors and a lack of soft furnishings means that the restaurant can reach noise levels on par to a dull roar but the laidback atmosphere makes it ideal for noisy dinners with family and friends.
The food is an Italian affair that, while lacking in inspiration, continues to satisfy both regulars and newcomers alike with simple flavours and generous portions. Expect to choose from the usual Italian suspects; beef carpaccio has a place on the antipasto menu, grilled field mushrooms with olive oil and lemon makes a good starter and there is a wide range of pasta dishes that you can order as an entree or main. Swordfish, octopus and prawns round out the seafood options while veal in a variety of sauces leads the way for carnivores. As short specials menu rotates daily and offers a few choices that are a touch more authentic such as the quail with polenta. The prices at Frattini are slightly more than what you might expect to pay at this kind of neighbourhood eatery, but BYO and no corkage make up for this.
Amy Looker