Trattoria Emilia is all about that refined rustic Italianate vibe, as if you're putting your feet up at a waterfront cafe in Sorrento. Owners Francesco and Luca have created a restaurant with a special focus on the ambience, allowing the diners imagination to take them back to the sunny shores of Italy. It's all about tradition here, while using modern cooking techniques to create something unique.
The menu begins with classic small bites, including marinated olives, gnocco grotto with prosciutto di Parma, and Cantabrian anchovies in whipped butter and crostini. Entrees include Fremantle octopus with potato, celery, chives and olive dust, while vegetarians can enjoy some roasted Jerusalem artichokes with cashew, chestnut and black garlic.
The Trattoria Emilia mains include a handful of pasta dishes, with the pork and beef ragu being a highlight, while the roasted lamb rump with eggplant and zucchini is deliciously succulent and full of flavour. A proper Italian restaurant isn't complete without a tiramisu, and the one here was coated in a Frangelico sauce with coffee and cacao. Delicious.
Back in the day this joint was BYO on certain nights, but as the restaurant has evolved so has the wine list, so leave your bottles in the cellar. The list is impressive with a heavy focus on Italian bottles, while some stellar Aussie drops get a look in too.
Brook James
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