La Cantina combines old and new in a unique setting, with rustic Italian food perfectly framed by classic visual cues in this Narrabundah restaurant. You could be forgiven for thinking it has been here for a hundred years, but that is testament to the vision of food veterans Domenic and Ornella Celestino. Their latest venture opened at Narrabundah shops in 2009 – down the road from most inner south hotels – and over the last five years has lived up to its promise of delivering a classic Italian experience both in food and atmosphere. The fit out is vault-like and dramatic. Imported salvaged bricks are used extensively in the formation of walls and arches, giving an almost subterranean feel to this Mediterranean eatery. Heavy framed baroque artworks adorn the wine coloured walls; and parquetry floors, deep brown bench seats and mood lighting complete the picture. Cuisine is straight from the Italian countryside, and aromas from the wood fired oven drift freely through the restaurant. Starters may be a traditional antipasto, or oven baked portobello mushrooms with ricotta, shaved parmesan and rocket. Primi piatti, or first courses, feature pan seared scallops with a cauliflower puree and crispy sage or herb crumbed sardine fillets with salsa verde. Of course, pasta and risotto are well represented. Expect a gnocchi with simple Napoli sauce or with gorgonzola and walnuts, or an artisan orecchiette with Italian sausage, broccolini and chilli. Mains are refined classics such as scaloppini with wild mushrooms in a cream sauce and polenta cake, or a whole roasted chilli spatchcock with baby chat potatoes that will have you transported to an Italian country villa. ‘La Cantina’ literally means cellar in Italian, so in keeping with the theme, pick a Penfolds Grange or a Brunello Di Montalcino from the glass walled wine cellar which stocks vintage wines from Australia and Italy – some up to forty years old.
CONTACT
4 Iluka Street, Narrabundah Shops
02 6239 5556
la-cantina.com.au
OPENING HOURS
LUNCH
Mon – Fri 12 – 2.30pm
DINNER
Mon – Sat 6 – 10.30pm
CUISINE
Italian
See menu
PRICE RANGE
$5.5 – $34.0
LICENCE
Fully licensed
BYO bottled wine only
Corkage $3.80 per person
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