La Camera Southgate

With its hanging meats and cheese display, there was promise of an authentic Italian experience. However, like many of Southgate's dining options (think World Bar, Left Bank etc.) the food at La Camera's was average and overpriced.

La Camera is positioned in an exceptional location on Southgate overlooking the Yarra.  However, if not seated on the beautiful outdoor balcony, the venue on the inside is dark and un-inspiring.

To start with we shared the beef and cheese arancini ($11.50) and a cheese and garlic pizza ($18.00). Unfortunately the flavours of the arancini were one dimensional and could have done with a boost of seasoning.  The garlic and cheese pizza however, was delicious and had a beautifully thin crust (but come on, how can you really muck up herb and cheese?).  But for $18.00, it would have been nice if the cheese and garlic went a little closer to the edge and was not so concentrated in the middle.

 

 

For main I had the chicken parmigiana with coleslaw dressed in an apple cider and honey vinaigrette ($28.50). For $28.50, it would have been nice if the parma came with chips, but alas, I had to order a side for $6.90 - and to be honest, I shouldn't have bothered as the chips were hard and floury. The chicken itself was cooked beautifully, but the tomato sauce that topped it tasted like something from a can of SPC. The coleslaw was also rather disappointing - bland and lacking the promised acidity.

Whilst we may have just hit La Camera on a bad day, with so many other incredible Italian options in the city (think Trattoria Emilia, Rosa's Canteen, Tipo 00), its not worth the visit.

Service:2.5/5
Venue: 2.5/5
Food: 2.5/5
Total: 7.5/15
Verdict: don't bother - not worth the calories