Scarpetta

LOCATION
Fitzroy

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Scarpetta has ensconced itself quite well into Brunswick Street since opening three years ago. Offering primarily pizza and pasta dishes, these seemingly narrow confines allow head chef Will Davidson the scope to really show off the diversity of Italian food. His love of this cuisine is evident, as is the intent for this family to offer diners a truly enjoyable Mediterranean experience. The faithful regulars are all here – polpette with provolone and Napoli sauce, antipasto, gnocchi with veal ragu and margherita pizza. But go out on a limb and try something different and equally delicious. Start with goat’s cheese, beetroot, pear and hazelnut salad before sampling delicate, Ligurian inspired agnolotti filled with ricotta and mint served with a beetroot and sage sauce, or pizza topped with roast duck, porcini, asiago cheese, walnuts and rocket.

The Italian passion for fresh ingredients and simple, yet perfect combinations of flavours is embraced here, and the small, changeable menu utilises the best of the season. Desserts are traditional and delicious. Affogato, tiramisu or vanilla bean panna cotta with grappa soaked mixed berries end the night with a kick, or take tradition a little further and simply opt for a little ‘digestivo’ to finish off your meal.

Angela Costanzo