Restaurant Review: La Spaghettata

Location:  238 Lygon St, Carlton
Phone: 03 9663 6102
Link: laspaghettata.com.au
Cuisine: Italian

After 30 years, La Spaghettata still remains focused on three things - food, family and love. La Spaghettata was the first restaurant in the Lygon Street precinct to make its own fresh pasta, a fact for which its owners (Tony and Giovanna Cattafi) are understandably proud. Set within a double storey terrace house, the atmosphere is vibrant and energetic.

The décor is warm and welcoming, with wooden tables and an eclectic mix of artefacts lining the exposed brick walls. Put simply, it feels like stepping into the Cattafi family's home for dinner - an impression further reinforced by framed photos of Cattafi family members proudly displayed on a small mantle. The menu boasts an array of traditional dishes that pay homage to rustic Italian cooking.

Bruschetta Siciliana

Ciabatta topped with tomato, fresh basil, olive oil, bocconcini and prosciutto

Moreton Bay Bugs

 Grilled Moreton bay bugs served with are served with green salad and tartar sauce

The Moreton Bay bugs were fresh, succulent and chargrilled to perfection. A beautifully simple dish.

Gnocchi Bocconcini

Potato dumplings, olives and tomato sauce, topped with melted bocconcini

The potato pillows were soft and fluffy, acting as a wonderful canvas for the simple but classic trio of tomato, bocconcini and olives.

Scaloppine Deliziosa

Veal medallions with demi-glace brown sauce, prawn cutlets, cognac, tomato and chilli

Quail and polenta

Grilled quail with demi-glace brown sauce, peppers and onion, served with cornmeal polenta

Whilst not earth shattering, the mains were unpretentious and generous.

Cassata Siciliana

 ice cream slice layered with vanilla, chocolate and mixed fruit

Tiramisù

savoiardi biscuits dipped in coffee and strega liquor, layered with mascarpone cream

The Tiramisu was delicious, with the strong coffee balanced perfectly against the strega liquor and mascarpone cream. The savoiardi biscuits were not soggy and retained some texture.

At the end of the day, the food is but one reason to visit La Spaghettata. Tony and Giovanna Cattafi's legacy is that they have created a warm, inviting, home away from home where you can enjoy rustic Italian food with friends. And from the passion and warmth displayed by Tony and Giovanna's sons Mauro and Fabio (who was our fabulous host for the evening), this legacy looks to be in safe hands.

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of La Spaghettata.