Lanzafàme Trattoria

Formerly the king of Haberfield’s haute Italian dining, John Lanzafàme’s Italian cuisine can now be consumed at the head of the Star City Retail Arcade, a little known part of the Star City Casino complex easily accessed without passing through the casino floor. With water views, the al fresco tables offer a lunch time opportunity to watch the passing dancers (it’s opposite the Lyric Theatre) and select from a recession-busting list of twelve choices, each priced at a low $12. Simplicity is the key to his lovely and substantial Margherita Pizza ($12) of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, parmesan and basil. A large bowl of Chick Pea Soup ($12) with warm scallops and potato was also a filling and flavoursome experience, and the chef’s talent meant the fat, unctuous scallops were not overcooked. The wine list has a large number of wines available by the glass, including an easy-drinking Italian Carpene Malvolti Proscecco ($14/glass, $57/bottle). Cap things off with a Vanilla Panna Cotta ($12) with an orange mint salad, and a Long Black ($4) of Giancarlo Coffeeto propel you back to work. The twelve choices for $12 lunch special is available from noon until 2pm, Tuesday to Friday.

Lanzafàme Trattoria
Retail Arcade opposite Lyric Theatre, Star City Casino, 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont
Ph: (02) 9571 1122
Italian  $