Reviewed by Regi Su
Vino & Spuntino is a fresh face on the block, serving Woollahra Italian classics harkening back to halcyon days on an Italian holiday. The joy of Vino & Spuntino is in it’s attention to detail, serving the perfect marriage of flavours from the Italian coastline right to the heart of Sydney. Cerulean touches on white-washed walls create an open and light atmosphere, reminiscent of a warm European summer. This restaurant feels like a labour of love, and you can really taste the passion in the cooking.
Vino & Spuntino have created a menu with perfect balance. Here, you’ll find authentic, simple homestyle cooking with little touches that really elevate the dish from wholesome to stellar. For starters, the burrata is fresh, light and creamy, matched with salty anchovies; a simple yet underrated dish that pairs really nicely with the Chargrilled Octopus. This octopus entree was, for me, the star of the show. Smokey and chargilled to perfection, the octopus works in symphony with the cherry tomatoes which add a level of sweetness, while the olives add a depth of flavour. The last time I had octopus this memorable was just outside of Lisbon, and I was glad to be taken back there, even for a moment.
Vino & Spuntino served us honest, simple flavours, that showcase their talent in capturing a place and plating up a memory. They make their ingredients on site; breadsticks, crostinis, gnocchi, are all made here in the restaurant. For mains, their Gnocchi is impressively fresh. Served in a light tomato and fresh basil base, each spoonful of gnocchi is a moreish little mouthful, so smooth and delicate. Try the Seafood Risotto. Compared with the simple gnocchi, this risotto packs a punch of full-bodied flavour which celebrates the flavours of the sea served on a base of creamy heartwarming risotto.
Our meal was a balance of complex flavours with simple, authentic, wholesome cuisine. We were recommended an Italian red wine, Pico Maccario Lavignone Barbera, which was light-bodied with armonas of berry and soft earthy notes, and partnered well with the meal. Vino & Spuntino offer wine tasting nights on Wednesdays and Thursdays, one for white, the other for red, where they showcase their delicious food paired with local and international wines.
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, they offer live music on Sunday afternoons with cocktails and light bites. I’d highly recommend the Espresso Martini; sweet, smooth and heavy on the coffee. The restaurant is proud of offer space for functions as well, boasting an open upstairs area that would support significant events as well. Whether you’re after drinks with friends, or a family lunch, be sure to stop by Vino & Spuntino for a taste of the Italian coastline.
Tonight’s menu:
Entree
Burrata; fresh burrata cheese, rocket, anchovies and Italian extra virgin olive oil
Moscardini In Umido; Slow cooked baby octopus with taggiasca olives, cherry tomatoes, capers and anchovies, served with Iggy’s sourdough
Mains
Homemade Potato Gnocchi; tomato, mozzarella, fresh basil and parmesan cheese
Risotto Ai Fruitti Di Mare; Guazzetto di pesce with scampi, king prawn, scallop, mussels and ocean trout
Dessert
Panna Cotta Alla Vaniglia; with mixed fresh berries, strawberry salad flavoured with orange and lemon juice, cinnamon and fresh mint
Delizia Al Limone Della Costiera Amalfitana; sponge base with lemon curd heart and limoncello glaze with chocolate crumble
Paired with a smooth Italian red wine, Pico Maccario Lavignone Barbera, and an Espresso Martini