LOCATIONOn the corner of Carrington Street, just east of Adelaide’s CBD.
PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAChianti Classico, with its casual elegance and classic lines evocative of true Italian restaurants, is an escape from the everyday. Professional service in both the front and back of house, a great barista and a focus on the best produce available – it’s little wonder Chianti was recently awarded the Restaurant and Catering award for Best Breakfast in Australia.
At breakfast, eggs benedict is a favourite among the locals, served with organic eggs, leg ham and luscious hollandaise sauce. Vegetarians are well looked after with the funghi ripieni; chargrilled field mushrooms stuffed with spinach, ricotta and pine nuts served with rocket, toast and poached eggs. Lunch and dinner menus are constructed from regional Italian recipes. Start with whole Spencer Gulf prawns sautéed with cracked black pepper, cognac and garlic. Move onto the delicious coniglio al forno; farmed, slow-cooked rabbit with pancetta, onion and sage and served with rosemary potatoes. The extensive wine list carries many South Australian wines, in particular those using Italian grape varieties. This is the place to dream of Italy.
October 2006
DETAILSThe restaurant’s name suggests a refined elegance, and its food and décor doesn’t disappoint. Exposed red brick walls, high ceilings and archways as well as plush leather seating dominate the refurbished heritage building. Private dining is available on the secluded upper level Gallo Nero Room function space, and guests can take advantage of the covered, all-weather al fresco terrace.
FOOD & BEVERAGEThe building and interiors’ elegant simplicity is echoed throughout the restaurant’s menus. Owners Maria and Frank Favaro have put together lunch and dinner menus that celebrate regional Italian fare, primarily from Tuscany, Venice and Piemonte. Lunch offers dishes with modern touches, such as the handmade taglioni with local blue swimmer crab, tomatoes, chilli and basil, while dinner dishes out rustic meals with the likes of ox tripe slow cooked with tomatoes, white wine, pine nuts & sultanas, served with grilled polenta. The restaurant is also known for its lengthy, Italian-heavy selection of wines.