GIARDINETTO RESTAURANT

Despite the pouring rain, Tracy and I ventured out (by bus) to Darlinghurst, navigating our way to Giardinetto Restaurant. We had called ahead for a booking only to be told by the fast speaking Italian gentleman that answered the phone that he could be full but didn't have the book so we should call back in five minutes. We called back and though we were able to get a booking, were told that our table would be held for five minutes past our booking and then given away!

Of course we arrived on time and walking in as two girls in their twenties, we felt out of place amongst the much older couples and groups of friends sitting in the dimly lit, florally wallpapered restaurant. The room was small, seating around 50 and angels hung from the light fittings. The restaurant had a cosy feel to it and suited a romantic date.

The waitress was very polite presenting us with menus but neglected to ask if we wanted any drinks. The menu is extensive and very tempting but we had come in order to taste their $35.00 3 course set menu with options.

Online there were many options for each course, yet the printed menu offered very limited choice (dessert was limited to vanilla ice cream, vanilla brulee or a fruit plate; whereas online chocolate mousse and tiramisu were also on offer).

All three courses were ordered at once and not enthralled by any of the desserts I told the waitress I had an allergy to vanilla and asked if there was a different ice cream or something she could supplement for the brulee. She was kind enough to offer me tiramisu and Tracy, not keen on any of the desserts either, was offered chocolate mousse. We were quite impressed by the waitress.

Throughout the night she remained attentive to our table, filling up the water glasses regularly, as she helped out another waitress who was quite obviously new.

For entrees we ordered the risotto and grilled vegetable salad. The salad's presentation was terrible; the grilled vegetables on the bottom of the plate with oiled rocked thrown over the top. It looked upside down actually. The taste was not much better. It lacked any flavour and the grilled vegetables did not accompany the crisp rocket well at all. The risotto was much better. The consistency was slightly less gluggy than either of us was used to but the flavour was there and it was very enjoyable.

Unfortunately it was also quite filling so our appetites were not quite there when the main course arrived seconds after our entree plates were cleared. We had ordered the salmon and a roast vegetable and pancetta spaghetti. Tracy commented that the salmon was not hot enough and my pasta was very dried out on the outside, yet moist underneath - leading me to think that these dishes had been ready and sitting for some time. Neither dish was spectacular flavour wise but no real complaints.



Upon clearing our plates our attentive waitress inquired as to whether I did not like my dish, as I had left some behind, I explained that I was full and she was happy with this.

Even though we had ordered all three courses at the beginning, another waitress soon came over to offer dessert menus. She seemed embarrassed when we had told her that we were having the set menu and rushed off!

We were thankfully allowed a long break between courses this time so when they arrived we were keen to taste them. Unfortunately we weren't overly impressed with either one. Tracy initially quite liked the mousse, saying it had a good consistency but I found that it lacked in flavour. Neither of us liked the flavour of the tiramisu, finding the cream layers to be too thick. Presentation was average for both dishes.



I would be interested to sample some of the dishes on the regular menu such as the duck risotto and pumpkin ravioli but all together found the restaurant nothing special so won't be back.

Giardinetto is suited to dates or small groups of friends but is too small to be suitable for kids or large parties.