Tacco and Tosca

Every suburb needs its own Italian eatery and for Middle Park this is Tacco and Tosca.  Situated just off the main stretch, Tacco and Tosca serves up more than the usual Italian suspects - from Gnocchi All'aragosta (gnocchi with lobster in Napoli sauce, diced fresh tomatoes, garlic and chilli) to "La Puccia" (a traditional pizza pocket), the menu is extensive but delicious.

On this occasion (for only three of us!) we ordered far too much.  To start with we shared the "Meatlovers" woodfired pizza with a side of chips.  The chips, surprisingly, were some of the best  chips I've had in awhile - goldenly crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside, with a generous amount of sauce. The base of the Meatlovers pizza was light and crispy, but unfortunately the toppings came off quite one dimensional and all the meats almost tasted the same.

On seeing the table next door to chow down on the Pappardelle Alla Chiantigiana  (homemade fresh pappardelle tossed with slow cooked beef ragout in Chianti wine)- I knew it had to be my main order. The sauce itself was rich and flavoursome, however the pasta underneath tasted slightly like cardboard.

Was it the best Italian I've ever had? No. But the meals were generous, the menu was extensive and the service was friendly.

Service: 4/5
Decor: 3/5
Food: 3/5
Total: 10/15
Verdict: like - get around to trying it at some

251 Richardson Street, Middle Park