After finally finding a date we were all free (we’d been trying since late last year), through the week I met up with some pals for dinner at Nonna Maria’s place in Parramatta.
Nonna Maria’s menu offers simple, homely and hearty Italian dishes. Shortly after being seated we were served complimentary lemonade and warm bread. I really enjoyed the tart and refreshing lemonade. How rare and lovely it is to be given a freebie!
For starters we shared bruschetta with crusty bread and spinach triangles. We then each ordered a pasta dish – I went with the homemade pesto with penne which was creamy and fresh. One of the gals ordered sweet potato gnocchi which was beautifully light and fluffy. I think it would be great with a plain tomato sauce. I am totally having that next time! Another dining buddy had the spaghetti all’arribbiata which had a tad too much kick for me.
When it came time for dessert, we really couldn’t go past homemade tiramisu. We ordered two serves to share between the five of us. I could really have had one all to myself, it was THAT good.
The highlights for me were:
- The traditional-style lemonade
- Tomato and red onion bruschetta
- Sweet potato gnocchi
- Homemade tiramisu
After our meal when chatting with chef and owner Dominic, he told us he wishes he could spend more time on the floor with the customers, asking for feedback on the dishes. The restaurant has been open for nearly two years and word-of-mouth has been bringing locals back for more.
In the early days of the restaurant, Dominic’s sister Maria helped out in the kitchen as they worked together to replicate their mothers traditional Italian recipes. The love shows in the dishes, a great local spot for a tasty night out.
I saw your wonderful evening on Instagram and it looks even better on my computer screen! If I ever get out that way, I will definitely try this place out.
Why thank you Anna! It’s a great little spot, handy having a new local find
Jealous of your yummy dinner. I love pasta… it’s my weakness! I think I’ll make a bowl for dinner tonight.. It’s Sunday after all
Great minds, I made pasta yesterday too! It will be up on the blog soon
Dishes look great and I love how the chef popped out and said hello! Wish they would do that more often
It’s a nice touch, isn’t it! So often the chef is hidden in the kitchen, it was nice to chat and get some background about the food