Martin FrimetTutto Bene
October 29th 2008 09:56
Peering proudly over the river as part of a Disney Castle-style complex that gives Melbourne's Southbank an inherently sunny disposition, Tutto Bene looks almost too good to be true. So ideal, in fact, was the spot, that I could not help but fear that such a never-fail look and location might easily have allowed its owners to rise prices or dip standards and still operate a healthy profit. After trying some of Melbourne's best and cheapest restaurants in the last six months, I even think I also secretly hoped that my first brush with something with an extra dollar mark after its name might make me wonder what all the fuss was about and slink back to my more familiar suburban locales.
That cruel cynic in me, however, was quickly dashed. First, was the impressive use of space and light, which saw one half of the restaurant as an old, auburn, dining hall while the other formed a long, open balcony which basked in fine fresh air and offered exceptional city views. It was a room and balcony made for young lovers or old romantics and it immediately set my heart alight a little.
Though the dreamer in me may already have been sated then, the realist still needed to be convinced by the food on offer at Tutto Bene's. It was not a courtship that would take long.
First, and though the bread itself may have been slightly under-seasoned, was Tutto Bene's rich, homemade olive oil in which to dip. Strong but smooth with a pungent olive taste, once I was able to tear myself away from the stuff, I was not surprised to read on the menu that this golden brew was a multi-award winner.
Mains were a simple affair, with a choice of risotto or rich-sounding meat and potato dishes. From that long list of risottos, each of our 7 chose a different one to his or her liking, and found their taste well-satisfied. My tricolore of parmesan cheese, pesto and tomato, topped with sardines and capers was creamy, classy and diffident at each different mouthful; a house special with truffle oil and porcini mushrooms sounded simple but was gob-stopping in its richly powerful, earthy flavours, while other choices with fish, meat or vegetables respectively were all mopped up with such eagerness and efficiency as to leave Tutto Bene's dishwashers standing idle. Each one had its own, well-defined flavours and was clearly made with a seasoned hand, and each was a full and satisfying serve for little over $20.
After that, there were several sweet touches still to come through desserts. Coffee was again a house brand and, just like the olive oil, was strong yet smooth and obviously a work of many year's love and dedication. On top of that, a playful selection of biscotti provided a sweet, nutty seam with which to tie a ribbon on top of a meal that, to my surprise, had been every bit as good as the price, the talk and the look had promised.
Tutto Bene
Mid Level, Southgate
Melbourne
VIC
3006
That cruel cynic in me, however, was quickly dashed. First, was the impressive use of space and light, which saw one half of the restaurant as an old, auburn, dining hall while the other formed a long, open balcony which basked in fine fresh air and offered exceptional city views. It was a room and balcony made for young lovers or old romantics and it immediately set my heart alight a little.
Though the dreamer in me may already have been sated then, the realist still needed to be convinced by the food on offer at Tutto Bene's. It was not a courtship that would take long.
First, and though the bread itself may have been slightly under-seasoned, was Tutto Bene's rich, homemade olive oil in which to dip. Strong but smooth with a pungent olive taste, once I was able to tear myself away from the stuff, I was not surprised to read on the menu that this golden brew was a multi-award winner.
Mains were a simple affair, with a choice of risotto or rich-sounding meat and potato dishes. From that long list of risottos, each of our 7 chose a different one to his or her liking, and found their taste well-satisfied. My tricolore of parmesan cheese, pesto and tomato, topped with sardines and capers was creamy, classy and diffident at each different mouthful; a house special with truffle oil and porcini mushrooms sounded simple but was gob-stopping in its richly powerful, earthy flavours, while other choices with fish, meat or vegetables respectively were all mopped up with such eagerness and efficiency as to leave Tutto Bene's dishwashers standing idle. Each one had its own, well-defined flavours and was clearly made with a seasoned hand, and each was a full and satisfying serve for little over $20.
After that, there were several sweet touches still to come through desserts. Coffee was again a house brand and, just like the olive oil, was strong yet smooth and obviously a work of many year's love and dedication. On top of that, a playful selection of biscotti provided a sweet, nutty seam with which to tie a ribbon on top of a meal that, to my surprise, had been every bit as good as the price, the talk and the look had promised.
Tutto Bene
Mid Level, Southgate
Melbourne
VIC
3006
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