Scarpetta

When thinking back to my experience at Scarpetta, the story of Goldilocks and the three bears comes to mind - Scarpetta isn't too fancy, it isn't too casual - it's just right. With staff that make you feel at home from the second you walk through the door, this Italian inspired restaurant in Albert Park serves food which can be described as nothing less than drool worthy.

Whilst it was hard to pass up ordering the fresh local scallops topped with a homemade Atlantic Salmon chive mousse, or the pork rib cutlet butterflied and filled with provolone and basil, crumbed in bread, cheese, herbs and then grilled, I couldn't go past ordering a couple of their incredible looking pizzas.

Both the Funghi pizza (with Fior di latte, exotic mushrooms, garlic, grana padano and truffle oil), and the Salame Piccante (with Fior di latte, hot salami, black olives, roasted capsicum and fresh herbs), are excellent options. Whilst I'm often told a traditional Italian pizza should only have a few toppings on it, the highlight of my meal at Scarpetta was the abundance of toppings on my pizzas - fresh, flavoursome and ridiculously delicious!

Great service, impressive price tag, incredible wine, and food to drool over - I will definitely be back to Scarpetta soon.

Food: 4.5/5
Service: 4.5/5
Venue: 3.5/5
Total: 12.5/15
Verdict: Love - get around to trying it soon