English Is Italian

Sometimes all you want from a restaurant is good cooking and an unpretentious atmosphere. English is Italian delivers just that. It’s not an achingly hip new place, instead it’s a recent re-launch of an existing restaurant, under the management of nationally acclaimed chef Todd English (hence the punning name).

English is trying to do two things at this smart, stylish restaurant; cook excellent serious food and keep a relaxed informal feel so that E is I doesn’t become yet another smart restaurant with a limited clientele.

The interior of the restaurant is cool, modern and very spacious, with a décor reliant on wood and warm tones of gold and brown, but it’s the dining experience which sets English Is Italian. With a menu divided into three parts – antipasta, pasta, meat or fish - the customer is served platter upon platter of top quality nosh to share, and for incredible value at only $39 per head.

The flavours and textures are balanced to great effect, with any number of fabulous tasters including Creamy Wild Mushroon Risotto and Roasted Branzini, Lamb ribs (that practically fell off the bone), Roasted Pistachios with Brussel Sprouts served in Pumpkin, Ravioli stuffed with nutmeg, spinach and cream sauce, Pan Seared Halibut and Smoked Red Meat Cutlets with cauliflower cheese. The highlight of the night however was the extravagant Buffalo Mozzarella appetiser, which is made fresh at your table for an extra of $19 – one of the cheaper extras on the menu. Another extra, if you can possibly eat any more, is the delicious Zeppole dessert on offer, an Italian pastry fried to order.

The only thing that seemed a little cheekily priced was the wine, at $55. But it – Shiraz Yangarra 2002, McLaren Vale - was nonetheless splendid, with the entire wine list clearly the work of an enthusiast.

The secret to getting the most from English Is Italian is to not allow yourself to become overwhelmed. Be careful to know what you’re getting before you go, and pace yourself because there’s a awful lot of food. All in all, if you’ve had your fill of fashionable places with disappointing food, this is definitely worth a try. But don’t be afraid to say exactly what you want, even if it’s not offered on the menu. And don’t feel pressured to eat too much as waiters will gladly wrap up the leftovers to take home.

The entire meal, including wine, three courses, dessert and tableside mozzarella
show came to $170. But without the extras, you could easily eat like a king for a very reasonable price.

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