PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAPerfectly attentive service, simple yet stylish contemporary interiors and a charming leafy tree-fringed terrace make this smart bar/pizzeria somewhat of a rival to Melbourne’s laneway bars. The menu comes from the great world of Italian food: pizza, pasta, salads, meaty mains and must-do desserts. Although you'll find that many dishes, while remaining within the Italian flavour spectrum outshine typical Italian pasta staples. The “
stozzaprette al ragu d’Agnello which comes to the table as short twists of fresh pasta with a succulent lamb shoulder and a burly tomato ragu is one of these. Fresh fish of the day with Kailis organic extra virgin olive oil and lemon is also a hard one to pass up.
All too often in a showy bid for greatness, restaurants adorn pizzas with obscure ingredients. True to class, Beccofino keeps things simple, producing thin-crust perfection. The wood-fire oven is happy to crisp up a “gamberi piccanti” with tomato, mozzarella, prawns, garlic, chill, herbs, olive oil and rocket or a “salsiccie” with fresh tomato, mozzarella, pork and fennel sausage, artichokes, provolone cheese and rocket. Enjoy a few slices with a seasonal glass of red or white, take your pick, and a light salad. Keep a little space for the sweeter end of the meal. The sweet pizza with deep dark chocolate is all things good. Alternatively give in to your temptations with a hazelnut and ricotta pudding with sweetened mascarpone and praline.
Katharine Chapman
This restaurant does not take bookings.