Profiled by de Groots MediaWith a unique interior that extends past the front door to subtly decorate a small part of Oxford Street, Monza has always been known for its individuality and innovative food. On a street that has its fair share of terracotta tiles and wicker chairs, Monza is a welcome alternative to the Perth dining scene, especially given it’s proximity to Luna Cinema. Starters on the menu are mainly bread-based but it’s such beautiful Italian bread that you just have to do it. The bruschetta, although not considered a very fashionable menu item these days, kick starts your tastebuds with the perfect balance of ingredients very obviously prepared fresh to order. Moving on to the entree menu, you can’t say you dined at Monza and didn’t try the famous antipasto plate featuring a tasty selection of the chef’s daily changing creations.
Trying not to enjoy too many Cosmopolitans between courses, the mains menu continues to impress and offers an interesting mix of food from all over the globe. Roast duck and butter chicken hint at the chef’s exotic side, while the European flags get a wave with rosemary- and garlic-marinated quail and a delightful range of pastas and risottos. The seafood risotto with local prawns, fish, mussels and scallops and a good zing of lemon definitely warrants another visit. If it’s a time-restricted lunch on a budget you seek, Monza will have you in and out within an hour for under $15. Just don’t expect sloppy sandwiches or limp salads. It’s quality all the way with the likes of spagettini marinara, thin crispy pizza with superb toppings or steak sandwich. Individual and impressive, Monza is well worth a return visit.
Karen Bilsby-Butler, October 2007
