Restaurant Review: Cafe Di Stasio

Location: 31 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Phone: 03 9525 3999
Link: http://www.distasio.com.au/
Cuisine: Italian
Overall Impression: 8.5/10 J surprised me with dinner at the highly acclaimed, 2-hat establishment, Cafe Di Stasio! =)

I was very very excited to sample the dishes as I have only ever heard excellent reviews for this restaurant (apart from the occasional groans about the size of the bill).

Entrée: MOSCARDINI AFFOGATI

Baby octopus slow cooked in red wine and chillies The baby octopus was tender and busting in flavour. I've never had baby octopus served like this before and it was delicious. Entrée:CAPESANTE GRATINATO

Scallops oven baked in the shell with a gratinee of bread crumbs, parmesan and parsley I love scallops! And these were just beautiful and so fresh. Delicate balance of flavours that linger on your palate. I've eaten many scallops and have had many bad experiences but these were awesome. One of the best scallops I've ever had. Main: Wild Boar dish. I think it may have been Cinghiale in Umido

The flavours are rich and intense. Slow cooked to the point you can eat it with a spoon. What a great dish! Definitely one of the best highlights of the meal. It was a special for the day. This should definitely be on the a la carte menu.. PERMANENTLY! Main:SALTIMBOCCA CON GNOCCHI

Pan fried escalope of baby veal with prosciutto, fresh sage and semolina gnocchi The semolina gnocchi blew my socks off. It was al dante, chewy and soft in the middle. And went perfectly with the deliciously tender baby veal. The fresh sage and prosciutto made this well balanced. Again, everything was smacked full of flavour. Highly recommended. Sides: Rocket Salad Dessert Menu Dessert: Almond and Honey Tart

And what a great end to a beautiful meal. Lovely lovely dessert. Overall, I thought it was a particularly pleasant dining experience. The food is very homely. I know that this is a weird way to describe food… but it makes you feel warm and incredibly loved. But don't expect anything crazy and unexpected. Café Di Stasio sticks to the basics with dense and delicious flavours you recognise and executes each dish with perfection.