Good Food hatGood Food hat16/20How we score
Italian$$$$
Heading down the stairs of the Grand Hotel into the grotto-like basement that houses Stefano’s is still one of Australia’s great bucket-list dining experiences.
The restaurant,which chef Stefano de Pieri has been running for more than 30 years,has never strayed from serving straightforward,beautifully sourced Italian food.
The $130 tasting menu follows a classic arc. Focaccia and salumi;a seasonal soup;sformato,the light-as-air yet utterly rich souffle of cheese and greens;handmade pasta. There might be mussels in a surprising sauce of tomato,’nduja,lemongrass and ginger.
For secondi,perhaps Murray cod or a lovely piece of local beef simply cooked to bring out the best in the ingredients. Service is as warm as the space,and wine conversations – be they with the staff or de Pieri himself – are always a pleasure.
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Oceanfront juggernaut keeps on pumping.
Glorious food,glorious wine list,glorious surroundings.
Gallic gem on the Surf Coast.
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