Gusto Bar & Kitchen
If I had known that picturesque Watsons Bay was home to Sydney’s only Sicilian restaurant, I would have taken this ambling drive sooner. The nautical architecture suits the glassy harbour view, reflecting the last vestiges of a bright pink sky as we bite into the succulent baby calamari of the Calamaretti Soffritti ($16.90). The charming Chef Paolo Patane (looking rather dapper in his Italian Mario Batali-styled shoes and Italian food-themed pants) speaks warmly of the Cucina Povera he presents in the compelling Frittelle de Nonnata ($14.90) served up with seaweed salad and a bright capsicum puree. He stays true to the spirit of this humble, peasant cuisine which eschews wastage with his own thriving herb garden, visible from the dining room. A bowl of Penne alla Siciliana ($15.90) is simple but heavenly, showcasing the creamy eggplant. Scaloppine al Passito de Pantelleria ($25.50) is Muscat cooked veal so tender I ‘cut’ it with my fork. The generous serve of moist swordfish Pesce Spada alla Messinese ($33.90) goes beautifully with our Sicilian recommendation from the keenly priced Italian wine list, the Syrah Botticella ($8/glass, $42/bottle). Sicily’s proximity to Turkey explains the excellent Turkish Delight Biscotti, but it’s the ricotta-filled Sicilian Cannoli ($9.00) that inspire my vow to return forthwith. Viva Sicily!
Gusto Kitchen & Bar
27 Military Road, Watsons Bay
Ph: (02) 9388 8827
Italian/Sicilian $$$
