PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIAQuaint little Giuseppe's is tucked along Darwin's less manic of main streets, Smith Street. Owners Deb and Phil Chiplen have been running this infallible eatery for the past 16 years. In that time they have built up a dedicated local clientele, not to mention drawing in the waves of tourists that flood the city in the dry season. Darwin has a number of Italian restaurants within its CBD, but what sets Giuseppe's apart is its long standing reputation for hearty servings at a sensible price. The decor hasn't much changed since the restaurants inception, but this only serves to give Giuseppe's a rustic and homely feel; an unpretentious environment in which to slurp up your spaghetti and meatballs.
The menu is regularly reinvented, but the traditional pastas and entrees, such as the bruschetta, are staple choices. The chef has cunningly fused traditional Italian recipes with Australian seafood. Wild barramundi is always on the menu, married with one of the chef's special Italian sauces to create an altogether innovative flavour. An entree that deserves mention is the Moreton Bay bugs. Their tail meat is simmered in either creamy
garlic or chilli tomato sauce and they are unbeatable. Giuseppe's is licensed and provides intimate dining for up to 70 people. Open lunch and dinner, private function rooms are also available without charge.
Belinda King, October 2006