Wheelers Hill
http://www.montalcinoristorante.com.au/
Montalcino opened its doors several months ago on the site of the old Sofia’s Pizza and Pasta Restaurant. Of course comparisons between the two establishments were made straight away. We heard feedback from several friends who complained how expensive it was and that it was no longer a good place for kids.
Looking for a new place to try, J and I decided to give it a go and see if the negative feedback was warranted. Well weren’t we in for a pleasant surprise? The service was friendly and efficient and the value for money excellent. Yes it is expensive compared to Sofia’s prices but no more so than any other decent Italian restaurant serving pizza/pasta and mains. Children were more than welcome and the price of the kids meals even included a pencil and colouring pack to keep them amused...always a good thing!
And be warned...the servings here are huge! Unless you’re a professional sportsperson and need to load up on carbs, the entree size pasta is plenty big enough for the average person. The desserts are massive too...your best option is sharing unless you’ve deliberately left room!
WE ORDERED
For starters we ordered a Herb Focaccia with Cheese – Homemade focaccia pizza style -
J had an entree size of Fettuccine Gambero – Prawns and scallops in a creamy garlic and herb sauce -
I had a main size of Gnocchi Pollo Funghi – Chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce -
For dessert J had the trio of icecream -
I had the Chocolate Mousse -
WE THOUGHT
The focaccia was really tasty with the middle pieces being moist and cheesy and not at all dry.
We both loved the homemade pasta, you could really see and taste the difference in quality. J couldn’t fault her Fettuccine Gambero and particularly loved the sauce. Light and pillow like, I thought the gnocchi was some of the best I have ever eaten. And the sauce was to die for. I shudder to think how much cream might have been included but I didn’t find it oily or heavy at all. Unfortunately the size of it got the better of me and regretfully I had to leave almost half of it behind.
J was impressed that the icecream served was Norgen-Vaaz. You could select which flavours you wanted and when one of the flavours she originally ordered was unavailable, a waiter kindly returned to our table and listed all of the flavours left that she could choose from.
I had originally been going to go for the Triple Choc Mint Cake but one look at it in the display and I knew that I would only be able to devour a few mouthfuls...it looked so inviting but so rich! When I am really too full for dessert but want to order it anyway, Chocolate Mousse is always my pick. Sometimes it can backfire by being just as rich as a piece of cake, but Montalcino’s was beautifully light and fluffy and I was easily able to get through it although I was relieved it wasn’t any bigger!
WE LIKED
The quality of the food. Lots of parking. Would be particularly good for large groups.
WE DISLIKED
Tables were a bit too close together. I had to swap chairs with one at another table when I first sat down as mine had a very wonky leg.
WILL WE RETURN?
For sure. Great service, food and value for money mean we’ll definitely be back. I hope more of the locals give it a try and realise that it is worth paying more to get good quality food, service and value for money.
8/10
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