Donnini’s - Carlton
Date: Friday 11th December 2009
Restaurant: Donnini’s
Address: 320 Lygon Street, Carlton
Phone: 03 9347 3128
Commentary : Sarah Andrew
Marco is the owner of Donnini’s at 320 Lygon Street, opening the restaurant in August 2002. The kitchen opens at 12 noon and runs until 10pm daily. The restaurant offers traditional Italian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Specialising in hand made pasta, there is a kitchen above the kitchen where Marco’s Aunt and Grandma make the pasta, and due to demand this kitchen runs six days a week.
This is another restaurant I have had recommended to me on numerous occasions but for various reasons have not visited for some time. I guarantee you will often find the restaurant full, and whilst bookings are not essential, they are encouraged to avoid waiting for a table.
I was lucky to visit on a night that Marco was working because I was eager to leave the food decisions to him. That said we handed over all decision making and were treated to a gastronomic delight.
Entrée consisted of BBQ flatbread, veal tuna mayo & rocket (Piadina Al Vitello Tonne).
The next course to follow was the selection of three handmade pastas (Tris Di Pasta Donnini) and included:
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- Gnocchi al pomodoro
- Tortelli di ricotta e spinaci
- Tagliatelle al ragu Bolognese
All three pastas were delicious however the spinach & ricotta tortelli stood out for me as the best. I was later informed that the Tortelli di ricotta e spinaci remains one of the favourites, which is why it is available as an entrée or a main.
The finale in our food selection was a mixed grill of seafood. This consisted of fresh fish fillets, jumbo scallops, local calamari & shelled tiger prawns. This was a feast in itself and a wonderful end to a relaxed night out.
I would happily recommend Donnini’s as a venue for a long lunch, catch up with friends or family celebration. Thank you Marco for looking after us so well the other night!