Italy 1

LOCATION
Melbourne CBD

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Off Collins Street on Georges Parade sits Italy 1, an Italian bistro that was once a well-kept secret but is now renowned for its delicious food and tasteful interior (pun intended). Relax in the casual yet stylish surroundings as the city of Melbourne bustles around you.

Start with a primo piatto (a first dish) of pollo insalata (poached chicken, balsamic pear and walnut salad with cress leaves, soft herbs and pomegranate dressing). Follow with a pasta or risotto option like the speciale del giorno (special of the day) or the penne con pancetta (penne with pancetta). From the carne, pollame e pesce (meat, poultry and fish selection) try the anitra (pan-seared duck breast with braised cabbage, pancetta and chilli and baked semolina gnocchi) or the pesce del giorno (fish of the day with eggplant ratatouille, black olive tapenade and salsa verde). From the insalate e verdure (salads and vegetables selection) choose the insalata di arugula (wild rocket with aged balsamic vinegar and oil). For dolci (sweets), you can’t go past the tiramisu, described as the Italian "pick me up" or if you’d prefer there’s the formaggi, the chef’s selection of two cheeses with muscatels and fruit. The wine list, though not extensive has some excellent choices.

Veda Wickens