Spellman's Tramontana

LOCATION
Evolution Tower, ground floor

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Spellman’s Tramontana upkeeps its fine dining standards by adding a $10 surcharge to the bill of customers wearing casual thong footwear. The restaurant’s principles create a fine dining experience that serves artful and well priced dishes. Tramontana is all elegance and glamour with an eclectic edge. The restaurant features a magnificent green chandelier, quirky mirrors, and a large parasol in the indoor bar. The classic Italian cuisine is made with local Northern Territory produce and served on a mix of antique china.

Homemade breads are a tantalising starter - try the grape and rosemary loaf with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Follow up with a choice of the Italian meat cuts that are cooked to succulent perfection and served with a mix of fresh vegetables. The Romanesque gnocchi of gorgeous crescent-shapes served in rich sauce, and the saffron King George whiting are other home specialties. Chef Darren Brander gets full marks for producing a brussel sprouts dish that will entice even phobics of the vegetable. It’s amazing how a dash of walnut oil and a sprinkling of pancetta can transform this bland vegie. For dessert, the silken vanilla bean panna cotta drizzled with orange-chilli-caramel syrup is heaven on earth with a mischievous bite.

Merridy Anne Pugh